StangSource.com
StangSource.com Login | Sign-Up StangSource.com
StangSource.com

  Sponsors
SpeedyDyno.com

  Quicklinks
StangSource.com Tech Center » Tech Articles & How-To's » Cobra Frame Work

Cobra Frame Work
Text and photography by sloryd
Often an afterthought, subframe connectors should be the first modification for any stang owner. As bang for the buck mods go,they are hard to beat. You can get good quality parts and have them installed for around $150 (less if you can handle the job yourself). The advantages are a stiffer chassis, enhanced handling performance and increased longevity for your beloved Stang. This tech article will outline the basic procedure for installing subframe connectors.

While it is a fairly simple install there are a few tips that will make things go smoother. We recommend having them professionally installed as it is usually necessary to weld the connectors in. Your local muffler shop will be more than capable of performing the task in about an hour from start to finish. We enlisted the help of our friends at Speedy Discount Muffler and Dyno center for their expertise, and would like to thank Greg and all the guys for their continued support with our Tech Articles and the Mod Madness project stang series. We would also like to thank site member: white97cobra (Steve) for letting us tag along for the install and pics.

It is recommended that the shop you choose has a drive-on lift so the chassis is loaded normally when installing the subframe connectors. We've heard of chassis lifts being used in the past with mixed results (ie: doors not operating properly).
Step 1
1   After unpacking the connectors you will note that they are side specific. Steve's full length kit from Kenny Brown came with nuts and lock washers to fasten the connectors to the protruding seat bolts.
Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
2   Take the oval shaped rubber floorpan drain plugs out and replace them upside down. This keeps them from stopping the rails from sitting flat against the subframe.
3   Attach the supplied nuts from the subframe kit to the seat-bolts to secure the connectors for welding.
4   Take a grinder and remove the paint from the floorpan where the welds will be placed to ensure a good and solid weld is made.
Step 5 Step 6 Step 7
5   Place pressure on both ends of the connectors to hold them firmly agaist the frame rails while welding. We used a muffler stand, but a jack or jackstand can be used as well.
6   Weld the ends of the connectors securely in place. This is where it really helps to have experience.
7   Use a wire brush to clean the welds for painting and touch up the welds with your favorite color of spray paint to keep them from rusting.
There you have it. For very little money and time, you've improved the strength and durability of your Mustang. Almost everyone we've spoken with that has added subframe connectors has registered a seat-of-the-pants increase in chassis stiffness and enhanced traction. Enjoy!
Home   |   Forums   |   Videos   |   Tech Center   |   Member Rides   |   File Host   |   Links   |   Events

Contact Us  |  Terms of Service

Copyright © 2007 StangSource.com