Page 70 - Issue 48

Installation & Technical Tips important than frame width) if not done properly.

Get as many >> Length Measure & cut original
measurements as possible and write >> Steering box location- frame rails off where deemed
them down beforehand. generally I prefer “rear steer” necessary.
First mark to measure how far (steering box behind crossmember) Usually 2-3 inches in front of
the center of the hub is from the > Rack & pinion is the best, fi rewall is the best for re-welding
fi rewall, so the tires will be re- but not always budget friendly other subframe on without having
centered in the wheel wells when >> Height of spindle in relation to work under the cab too much.
done. to each end of subframe (Will But it depends on your specifi c
purchase a subframe that determine ride height) measurements. You can use a
fi ts your needs >> Approx. miles and/or sawzall, cutoff grinder, plasma, 8” tall on each side. Why 8”? The
As I mentioned above, there overall condition of the subframe, torch or whatever makes the most 2” difference is to account for the
are many, many vehicles that can replacement parts can add up fast. sense for you. weighted compression of a coil
be used as front subframe donors. unbolt/remove front tins Determine how high you spring when the motor & front clip
It’s just a matter of preference and as one piece (If possible). want the car to sit when fi nished. is all on top of the subframe.
fi t. I also recommend getting the Once subframe is grafted, a new Measure based on the original >> Of course, if you are doing
subframe sandblasted fi rst if you core support location will have to frame rail under the body of the airbags, you can somewhat ignore
are doing a restoration. be fabricated for front tins to line car, just a few inches from where this 2” drop…. You will want to
The most important factors to up. Measure beforehand or keep you cut off the end. If you want work off of the “ride height”
consider when buying a subframe your tins all bolted up and ready to the frame rail at this point to be 6” measurement you have chosen
are: bolt back onto the cab after doing off the ground, then set the frame and have the lower arm as close to
>> Width (track width is more subframe swap. This can be tedious rails on a jack stand or wood blocks parallel to the ground as possible at
that ride height.
Mount the exact tire
size/rim that you want on the new
subframe.
Roll the subframe up to
the car & start eyeballing what you
will need to do to make it line up.
NOTE: Here it is crucial that you

70 RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE FORTY-EIGHT

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