Stumpy's subframe connector question

Steel Steeds

New Member
Aug 31, 2005
234
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Portland, OR
Last weekend I made an attempt to install my subframe connectors, and hit a snag. I'm hoping someone on here has installed these and can offer some insight. Basically, the front subframe on the II has a short section at the very back that hangs a little lower than the rest, and is rounded. When the connectors are installed, this portion bottoms out inside the frame of the connector, preventing them from lining up at the front end of the connector by about 7/16" of an inch.

The only way I can see to line everything up is to cut open the bottom of the connectors to allow the subframe to protrude through just slightly. That seems, well, wrong... I can't help but wonder if I've done something wrong, but I can't see what it would be.

Any thoughts?
 
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Yeah, those are the ones. The Stumpy's instructions have pictures (poor, blurry pictures) that even show those same bumps, but they aren't addressed in the written portion. And the instructions state that you may need to trim the length of the connectors to get a good alignment with the front "double frame" portion of the factory subframe. I don't need to trim anything, there would probably be a 1/4" gap, fine to weld to. But, as stated, I've got a gap due to the connectors not being able to lay flush.
 
I have stumpys sub frame connectors on mine. I attached them loosely at the rear bolt and then lined them up at the front mount. I then used a floor jack to raise / force the front portion of the connector and push it up and over the cars front subframe this worked well and set it flush against the frame. I then drilled the 3 bolt holes and ran the washers / nuts up tight. It don't get any tighter than that I then tightened the rear bolt and lowered the jack. Tight as a drum with no movement. On the drivers side I went as far as redrilling my line attachments and using the attaching bolts to secure them so no extra holes were drilled. Job took about 1 hour to do both sides. Sure makes a difference in ride quality. no more creeks... Nice and tight ride. And improved handeling.
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From your photo, it looks like you are having the same problem. On the far left of your photo, you can see where the connector ends. Then there is a short gap between the connector and the factory double frame. Mine fits that way too. My concern is on the bottom, where the connector is not flush up against the bottom of the factory subframe. On mine, and apparently yours as well, there is a gap about 7/16" inch.
I admit that I'm a bit anal about how things line up, and I've spent several hours already trying to get everything lined up on just ONE side. It may not matter much as far as stiffening the chassis goes. But, I can see dirt, gravel, etc. getting into that gap, and possibly fostering rust.
 
I had not thought of that since it never rains in Vegas and I don't drive in the rain if it does. I guess I could fill it in with JB epoxy or weld a bead across but there are so many other places for water to sit I am not worried at this time.
Rust free cars, it's a desert thing...