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sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only

Posted By: Q5_Ed

sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/08/14 06:59 PM

I am restoring an A12 road runner and putting in a 493 stroker. The car is a post coupe but Im thinking I should do something to stiffen it but don't really want to cut into the new floor. So should I do nothing, weld in connectors, or just install torque boxes?

This will be 99 percent street with a rare trip to the track for fun.

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Posted By: Polarapete

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/08/14 07:34 PM

I put homemade sub-frame connectors in my '68 Coronet bracket car. They were rectangular 2"x3" tubes that sliced through the floor pan and were welded front, back and to the floor pan. Made a noticeable difference in how the car felt, more so after the roll cage was installed. Even so, the leading edge of the left quarter panel would crack right next to the door. Of course, I had a race 440, 727, Dana 60 w/ 4.88s and 13x31x15 M/T slicks. I think that if you subject your car to the same stress level as I did mine, you should expect the same results. Big motor + sticky tires + full-throttle starts = body flex
Posted By: gregsrt

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/08/14 08:46 PM

You could use the Mopar Performance style, they are bolt in but I always weld them in. The don't go through the floor. Here's the best pic I have

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Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/08/14 08:50 PM

I'm not sure on that body style if the 2x2 connectors will fit without cutting the floor If they will anything is better than nothing If you do decide to make and use some cut the front edge of the rear sub frames so you can slide the connector into them several inches and weld them into the rear sub frames
Posted By: Polarapete

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/08/14 09:19 PM



My install was part of a larger project that involved building boxes that held the front spring eye and recessed them into the rear subframe. I drilled four pairs of spring mounting holes in each box: an upper and lower for the stock spring length and an upper and lower for the SS springs that I never got around to buying. I built the wheel tubs from sheet steel that I bent to fit.
With the big tires, the car was amazingly consistent and always drove straight...particularly since I built it all by myself in a big truck shop (Totem Truck & Tractor Repair), with no precise measuring tools, an unfamiliar arc welder, etc.. I remember falling asleep, late at night, under the car more than once and the guys would wake me up when they came to work the next day. I got the shop use if I helped the truck mechanics some during the day. My project went into high gear when the shop owner told me the IRS was going to be locking up his shop because he had not paid his 941 taxes. My car was nearly the last one in the shop

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Posted By: ahy

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/09/14 02:05 AM

I run the 2" welded connectors. They make a huge difference in stiffness and run under the floor. I used ART (Auto Rust Technicians) connectors. I believe they offer similar for B body's or you can DIY.

If I had to choose one, torque boxes or conectors, I'd choose the connectors... I actually run both.
Posted By: boydsdodge

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/09/14 03:57 AM

I like the Hotchkis SFCs
Posted By: 67coronetman

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/09/14 04:04 AM

My friend did 2 x 3 square tubing and cut to fit and that was on his 68 charger with a 572 stroker hemi & i did my 66 plymouth satellite the same way more than i will ever need but very strong and we welded it all up then coated it to keep from rusting..
Posted By: WannaRunner

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/09/14 09:42 AM

What wall thickness for the 2x3 tubing you guys are running?
Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/09/14 09:47 AM

Quote:

What wall thickness for the 2x3 tubing you guys are running?

.083 works really well even on 2x2 tubing
Posted By: jcc

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/09/14 02:15 PM

Torque Boxes are a band aid partial fix for a car that does not have frame connectors. Frame Connectors are a fix from a car that did have a full frame. Got it?
Posted By: JohnRR

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/09/14 04:19 PM

Torque boxes keep the front spring hangers from being distorted, frame connectors stiffen the unibody. You can put in frame connectors and still distort the front spring hangers because the connectors only connect to the frame rails and not the front spring hanger mount.

Torques boxes at a minimum and if you want to put in connectors too use a tube size that will not touch the floor ... or get the US car tool type that weld to the underside of the floor.
Posted By: jcc

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/09/14 04:57 PM

Quote:

Torque boxes keep the front spring hangers from being distorted, frame connectors stiffen the unibody. You can put in frame connectors and still distort the front spring hangers because the connectors only connect to the frame rails and not the front spring hanger mount.

Torques boxes at a minimum and if you want to put in connectors too use a tube size that will not touch the floor ... or get the US car tool type that weld to the underside of the floor.



I thing we are comparing apples to oranges, for the OP, I don't think distorting spring hangers is in the cards in any situation, and IMO n all but the most demanding High HP situation,frame connectors welded in would eliminate the majority of any possible distortion on the spring hangers. And if that is the real concern their are better solutions, and when moving springs inward, a dead issue. All this means, I disagree.
Posted By: MoparMarq

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/09/14 06:52 PM

Quote:

I run the 2" welded connectors. They make a huge difference in stiffness and run under the floor. I used ART (Auto Rust Technicians) connectors. I believe they offer similar for B body's or you can DIY.

If I had to choose one, torque boxes or conectors, I'd choose the connectors... I actually run both.



Same here (connectors and boxes). Mine are on a '72, so the connectors run through the floor. But regardless, at least get the connectors - even if they are only the weld-on-the-underside style. I can lift the car at one corner now and still open either door without jamming. Before, no way.
Posted By: Q5_Ed

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/10/14 12:02 AM

John I think the hotchkis would eliminate the distortion issue? Not crazy about how they hang down, but looks like easiest for future removal if ever desired.
Posted By: JohnRR

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/10/14 11:19 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Torque boxes keep the front spring hangers from being distorted, frame connectors stiffen the unibody. You can put in frame connectors and still distort the front spring hangers because the connectors only connect to the frame rails and not the front spring hanger mount.

Torques boxes at a minimum and if you want to put in connectors too use a tube size that will not touch the floor ... or get the US car tool type that weld to the underside of the floor.



I thing we are comparing apples to oranges, for the OP, I don't think distorting spring hangers is in the cards in any situation, and IMO n all but the most demanding High HP situation,frame connectors welded in would eliminate the majority of any possible distortion on the spring hangers. And if that is the real concern their are better solutions, and when moving springs inward, a dead issue. All this means, I disagree.



Yes it may be apples and oranges but he asked about BOTH, Hemi cars have boxed spring hangers from the factory for a reason. Sub frame connectors do not touch any part of the front spring hanger so there is zero chance of them adding any support.

Ed's going to be show poodling the thing anyway so he is just wasting time and money having either installed
Posted By: JohnRR

Re: sub frame connectors b-body vs torque boxes only - 01/10/14 11:23 PM

Quote:

John I think the hotchkis would eliminate the distortion issue? Not crazy about how they hang down, but looks like easiest for future removal if ever desired.



If you are thinking of removing them already do not even bother, you know when the time comes you are going to not have them installed after you have already bought them ... remember the mini tubs and springs were going to be moved in , now they aren't ...


You're undoing all the buthchery and you know you won't want to undo it again ...
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