Should I change subframe conn ?

[Steel1]

My 93GT it has a pair of BBK round tube subframe connectors (no seat brace) that were installed 12 yrs. ago.
Installation is fine and I haven't had any issues with them but lately I've been wondering if I should switch them out
for a set of full length sfc.
Not sure if it would be worth cutting/removing old sfc for new full length ?
Car is just a street cruiser that doesn't get launched but I have recently installed a 393w making good power.
Any opinions/advice appreciated.

 

[RangerJoe]

I wouldn't mess with it. If anything you could fab up a set of seat braces and weld them in.

Joe

 

[2000xp8]

Was the car ever a daily driver with them installed?
I had a pair of round non full length subs a long time ago.
They stood off the frame a bit and lacked surface connection welding (since they were round, they could only be welded at the bracket).
The subs were on the car as a daily driver and one day I put a jack stand under the middle of one and crushed it. Seemed water was getting it and rotted it.
The rounds also presented ground clearance issues and I couldn't get a jack under the sub itself leading me to deform the frame rail a bit.

After my experience? I regretfully say yes, I think you should change them to maximum motorsports full length.

The bonus is one day if you goto a torque arm, you are ready.

 

[Steel1]

Was the car ever a daily driver with them installed?
I had a pair of round non full length subs a long time ago.
They stood off the frame a bit and lacked surface connection welding (since they were round, they could only be welded at the bracket).
The subs were on the car as a daily driver and one day I put a jack stand under the middle of one and crushed it. Seemed water was getting it and rotted it.
The rounds also presented ground clearance issues and I couldn't get a jack under the sub itself leading me to deform the frame rail a bit.

After my experience? I regretfully say yes, I think you should change them to maximum motorsports full length.

The bonus is one day if you goto a torque arm, you are ready.

No never a daily since sub frames installed only a nice weather cruiser, they are in perfect shape.
Yes they are only welded at the brackets front end is capped and tubing measures 1.6" o.d.

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

I'd keep it as is. If you want to add significant rigidity, and you can weld, consider addding a jacking rail, and then add some spars to link the main SF connector to the JR.

 

[Steel1]

I'd keep it as is. If you want to add significant rigidity, and you can weld, consider addding a jacking rail, and then add some spars to link the main SF connector to the JR.

Funny you mention jacking rails because I was considering this http://www.globalwest.net/915.htmling
to attach to my existing subframes.
I "can" weld it's not pretty but effective..lol

 

[Mustang5L5]

If it ain't broke....

 

[Shakerhood]

Funny you mention jacking rails because I was considering this http://www.globalwest.net/915.htmling
to attach to my existing subframes.
I "can" weld it's not pretty but effective..lol

I have actually been wanting to cut out my current SFCs for Global West ones, really like the way they mount compared to all the others.

 

[rc46joe]

I am going to cut my tube style SFC’s for a set of full Maximum Motorsports SFC’s. I think it’s worth it. Just my two cents.

 

[Sunflower]

I just finished installing MM long frame connectors under my 88 rag top, and WOW, the improvement in the stiffness is awesome. Doors close and open better than ever before.

 

[Steel1]

Thanks for all the replies.
I ended up ordering a set of stifflers jacking rails that I may eventually tie into
existing sfc. I need to straighten pinch welds anyways and will now have nice
jacking points in that area.

 

[2000xp8]

I like the stuff stifflers makes. I have their trans mount crossmember. That thing is seriously stiff compared to the stock one.
I did Kenny brown jacking rails a while ago and I too had to straighten out the pinch weld.
If your welding skills aren't so great (mine are not), just be careful that metal is all so thin.