Subframe strengthening

Includes sheet metal, rubbers, bumpers, badges and rust repairs.

Moderators: reidy, Blacky

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michaelr
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Joined: Sun Mar 26, 2006 10:36 pm
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Subframe strengthening

Post by michaelr »

Has anyone fitted the 3mm laser cut steel plates from CRS onto their subframe where the crossmember sits? Did you have to get custom made subframe rubbers to take into account the extra 3mm plate?

I up tossing up whether or not to fit them to my subframe

Cheers
Michael
Blacky
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State: WA
Location: up in the Perth hills

Post by Blacky »

I didnt need them for my V6 conversion but I think they are mandatory if you are going V8. Arent the holes in them large enough for the crossmember to fit in the standard spot ?
I started with nothing and still have most of it left.


Foundation member #61 of FB/EK Holden club of W.A.
michaelr
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Post by michaelr »

Yeah, the diameter is right but the depth would be an extra 3mm so the rubber won't seat fully.
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DeadSled
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State: QLD
Location: Brisbane, Australia

Post by DeadSled »

Just a note.. we've redone all the subframe on my EK due to it being absolutely shit and rusted beyond most peoples skills.. and almost all of it is 3mm and 4mm plate. Its way over-enginneered but i guess thats how we like it.

Basically.. the front of it has been all remade in 3/4mm and along where the crossmember bolts to it we had to replace all that.. but for extra strength we have a length of 3mm each side.. oxy'd to shape and then fully welded on each side.. because just incase the welds holding one half to the other broke under stress / use.. this will beef it up incredibly.

I'll have to get some pics of it though and update my build thread when its finished.
Nick.
Harko
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Post by Harko »

I fitted them to an FE v8 conversion years ago and I dont recall having clearance issues.
Easily distracted angle manipulator extrordinaire.
EK283
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Location: SYDNEY NSW

Post by EK283 »

Guys,
All correct. You will find that the rubber supports only between the crossmember and subframe for up and down movement and the tangs on the cross member stop it from moving foward and aft. The cross member will move up when the front is subject to harsh loads such as bumps etc and will need more give with the wieght of a V8. I remember cutting down the spacer rods about 3 mm to stop the front end from wondering under braking ( clamping the rubber harder ) years ago and I wonder if thats the idea here? Making the spacer rods 3mm longer will give you the same effect as factory but I think this will be trial and error for each install.
I have poly urethane bushes for this although so to eliminate movement especially under hard braking and they do not seat all the way.

Regards Greg
So many cars so little time!
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