Can you weld subframe connectors... - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

GrimlokTT · 04-28-2006, 06:02 PM

properly using a 4-post lift versus a drive on lift? Maximum Motorsports has told me that to properly weld the connectors on a car it has to be resting under its own weight. However, I've now met two shops (one of them VERY respectable) that swear it can be done properly with a 4-point lift.

So, can it?

streakn · 04-28-2006, 06:37 PM

Mine were welded on while on a drive on lift by XMP. They know all about stangs and the tech is certified by Ford.

Phil · 04-28-2006, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrimlokTT

properly using a 4-post lift versus a drive on lift? Maximum Motorsports has told me that to properly weld the connectors on a car it has to be resting under its own weight. However, I've now met two shops (one of them VERY respectable) that swear it can be done properly with a 4-point lift.

So, can it?

You need to have the vehicles full weight on the suspension (like mentioned above) before welding the subs.

grimreefer · 04-28-2006, 06:57 PM

Eveything I've heard and read says the car should be sitting level on its own weight. I think you'd run the risk of an unlevel car and/or over-stressing the welds/body if done any other way.

streakn · 04-28-2006, 06:59 PM

Don't bother getting the powder coated connectors. I got some and they had to grind most of it off to weld it onto my frame. Waste of money and you'll end up grinding them on steep driveways and speedbumps.If it's as low as mine. I have the H&R SS and tokico 5 way adjustables, with CC plates.

GrimlokTT · 04-28-2006, 08:48 PM

Thnx for the info...that's what I thought. It's a pain trying to find someone in my area that will use the drive on lift. Guess I'll keep calling around...

birdman941 · 04-28-2006, 08:52 PM

If you have the suspension "hanging" or on anything but a drive-on lift,
when you weld the connectors onto the car,
you are putting flex INTO the car, instead of preventing it.
Mustangs flex an unreal amount when hanging, especially verts.
Try installing a G-Load brace or a(n) STB when it's hanging.
Nothing will line up.
Don't do it that way.
Ever.
Edit: A dealer with an oil change rack and a welder can do it.
Body shops...............

GrimlokTT · 04-28-2006, 08:57 PM

Thnx for the heads up.

Phil · 04-28-2006, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrimlokTT

Thnx for the info...that's what I thought. It's a pain trying to find someone in my area that will use the drive on lift. Guess I'll keep calling around...

It is important to have a drive up ramp lift for welded subs and don't let any shop owner try to make you think other wise.....

birdman941 · 04-28-2006, 09:09 PM

100%

2k4mach · 04-28-2006, 09:25 PM

yup drive on lift is the only way to do it...........dunno what shops your going to but theres plenty in town that have the proper lift and have previous knowledge on installing subframes on these cars

GrimlokTT · 04-28-2006, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2k4mach

yup drive on lift is the only way to do it...........dunno what shops your going to but theres plenty in town that have the proper lift and have previous knowledge on installing subframes on these cars

Any recommendations?

BIG4CAM · 04-28-2006, 10:47 PM

I have seen it done both ways, I welded mine on a drive on Alighnment rack. However we have done our race cars on post lifts, but mainly because at the time the car has no suspension on to rest it at the time. Would strongly recommend the Drive on though.

G · 04-28-2006, 11:23 PM

Roll on at full weight. As stated before, I would not pay a penny for a painted or coated connectors to weld. Your gonna have to paint anyway.

GrimlokTT · 04-29-2006, 09:27 AM

Thnx for the inputs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoffav

As stated before, I would not pay a penny for a painted or coated connectors to weld. Your gonna have to paint anyway.

Too late...I already have black ones in the garage.

GrimlokTT · 04-30-2006, 08:54 AM

Thnx everyone. I had them installed yesterday...on a drive on lift. Turned out pretty good except where my frame rails were already dented from jack/jack stands...

G · 04-30-2006, 10:35 AM

Glad it worked out. I can't wait to get mine done to stiffen up the car.

GrimlokTT · 04-30-2006, 12:26 PM

It seemed like I could tell a difference as soon as I pulled out of the parking lot...

Good mod. :ORANGE:

birdman941 · 04-30-2006, 12:31 PM

SFC's, properly installed, make a HUGE difference.
Mysterious rattles and squeaks disappear.
3 point STB's also make a big difference.
I have a 3 point Steeda STB on my GT DD, and it made a big difference.
I did, however, install a set of factory bolt-on
SFC's, ( it had none stock) and those also made a big difference, but I am sure not as big a difference as weld - ons.

streakn · 04-30-2006, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrimlokTT

Thnx everyone. I had them installed yesterday...on a drive on lift. Turned out pretty good except where my frame rails were already dented from jack/jack stands...

Off topic. Where's the best place to jack up the rear end? Mine is lowered so it's getting difficult.

GrimlokTT · 04-30-2006, 05:20 PM

Good question. THere are some pictures on here somewhere; however, I jack under the pumpkin.

G · 04-30-2006, 06:40 PM

I do the same as above but you can install jack rails/pads with the SFC's. :ORANGE:

GrimlokTT · 04-30-2006, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoffav

I do the same as above but you can install jack rails/pads with the SFC's. :ORANGE:

From Kenny Brown or where? Attach us a link...

96gt02 · 01-03-2012, 09:40 AM

Hey I am getting some subframes installed today on a 4 post lift from someone who has done this before and is very knowledgeable with mustangs. Is there anything that can be done so the suspension is loaded on the 4 post lift so it comes out good?

UrbanKnight · 01-03-2012, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96gt02

Hey I am getting some subframes installed today on a 4 post lift from someone who has done this before and is very knowledgeable with mustangs. Is there anything that can be done so the suspension is loaded on the 4 post lift so it comes out good?

Sure, put ramps on the 4 posts and drive on, LOL!

04-28-2006, 06:02 PM	#1
GrimlokTT I looooove me car... Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fairborn, OH Posts: 2,237	Can you weld subframe connectors... properly using a 4-post lift versus a drive on lift? Maximum Motorsports has told me that to properly weld the connectors on a car it has to be resting under its own weight. However, I've now met two shops (one of them VERY respectable) that swear it can be done properly with a 4-point lift. So, can it?

04-28-2006, 06:37 PM	#2
streakn Day by day. Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: La Habra, Ca Posts: 1,827	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... Mine were welded on while on a drive on lift by XMP. They know all about stangs and the tech is certified by Ford.

04-28-2006, 06:57 PM	#4
grimreefer U.S. Merchant Marine Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Titusville, FL... currently: San Diego Posts: 2,438	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... Eveything I've heard and read says the car should be sitting level on its own weight. I think you'd run the risk of an unlevel car and/or over-stressing the welds/body if done any other way. __________________ '08 BGM TBSS (3SS/2WD) - Bone Stock

04-28-2006, 06:59 PM	#5
streakn Day by day. Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: La Habra, Ca Posts: 1,827	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... Don't bother getting the powder coated connectors. I got some and they had to grind most of it off to weld it onto my frame. Waste of money and you'll end up grinding them on steep driveways and speedbumps.If it's as low as mine. I have the H&R SS and tokico 5 way adjustables, with CC plates.

04-28-2006, 08:48 PM	#6
GrimlokTT I looooove me car... Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fairborn, OH Posts: 2,237	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... Thnx for the info...that's what I thought. It's a pain trying to find someone in my area that will use the drive on lift. Guess I'll keep calling around...

04-28-2006, 08:52 PM	#7
birdman941 Torque wins! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 13,167	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... If you have the suspension "hanging" or on anything but a drive-on lift, when you weld the connectors onto the car, you are putting flex INTO the car, instead of preventing it. Mustangs flex an unreal amount when hanging, especially verts. Try installing a G-Load brace or a(n) STB when it's hanging. Nothing will line up. Don't do it that way. Ever. Edit: A dealer with an oil change rack and a welder can do it. Body shops............... __________________ The ORIGINAL Project R build thread is back ! 5.4 32V NA Streetable 404/387 26.56 MPG "I don't like repeat offenders, I like DEAD offenders" Ted Nugent "A big engine hardly working is more efficient than a little engine screaming its head off" Jay Leno Last edited by birdman941; 04-28-2006 at 09:09 PM.

04-28-2006, 08:57 PM	#8
GrimlokTT I looooove me car... Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fairborn, OH Posts: 2,237	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... Thnx for the heads up.

04-28-2006, 09:09 PM	#10
birdman941 Torque wins! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 13,167	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... 100% __________________ The ORIGINAL Project R build thread is back ! 5.4 32V NA Streetable 404/387 26.56 MPG "I don't like repeat offenders, I like DEAD offenders" Ted Nugent "A big engine hardly working is more efficient than a little engine screaming its head off" Jay Leno

04-28-2006, 09:25 PM	#11
2k4mach LuLz Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Cedar Park, TX Posts: 19,294	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... yup drive on lift is the only way to do it...........dunno what shops your going to but theres plenty in town that have the proper lift and have previous knowledge on installing subframes on these cars __________________ 11 Sterling gray GT500 coupe 08 Silver Z06 1058rwhp/1073rwt @ 15psi 14 Silver Q50S Vortech blown 04 DSG Mach 1 (stolen) 03 OW Mach 1 (sitting in a field rotting away)

04-28-2006, 10:47 PM	#13
BIG4CAM Finally Bought One Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Returning Pop Bottles Posts: 476	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... I have seen it done both ways, I welded mine on a drive on Alighnment rack. However we have done our race cars on post lifts, but mainly because at the time the car has no suspension on to rest it at the time. Would strongly recommend the Drive on though. __________________ 2003 Mach 1 32v DOHC Tremec TKO 600 Mods: Roy's Intake, 98 cams, LT's with 3 inch x pipe and spintechs, 4.56 gears Best ET: 12.157@112.8 1.627 60ft Best ET street tire: 12.89@110 1997 Mustang GT 4r70w 232rwhp/287tq 2001 P.I. motor swap The slug Cruiser's best ET 13.89@98.7 1994 Lightning w276k miles 89gt camshaft w/hughes 2400k convertor 14.58@ 91mph 2.0560ft Rusty but Trusty, still getting down and dirty on the street

04-28-2006, 11:23 PM	#14
G Undocumented Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Enterprise, AL Posts: 15,828	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... Roll on at full weight. As stated before, I would not pay a penny for a painted or coated connectors to weld. Your gonna have to paint anyway. __________________ _____________________________________________ 2003 Mach1 AB 5spd 2004 Mach1 TR 5spd (sold) 1933 Ford 3W Coupe (4.6 dohc Stack Injection) 2003 Cobra TR (sold) 2014 Mustang GT (Track Pack) in Black

04-30-2006, 08:54 AM	#16
GrimlokTT I looooove me car... Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fairborn, OH Posts: 2,237	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... Thnx everyone. I had them installed yesterday...on a drive on lift. Turned out pretty good except where my frame rails were already dented from jack/jack stands...

04-30-2006, 10:35 AM	#17
G Undocumented Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Enterprise, AL Posts: 15,828	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... Glad it worked out. I can't wait to get mine done to stiffen up the car. __________________ _____________________________________________ 2003 Mach1 AB 5spd 2004 Mach1 TR 5spd (sold) 1933 Ford 3W Coupe (4.6 dohc Stack Injection) 2003 Cobra TR (sold) 2014 Mustang GT (Track Pack) in Black

04-30-2006, 12:26 PM	#18
GrimlokTT I looooove me car... Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fairborn, OH Posts: 2,237	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... It seemed like I could tell a difference as soon as I pulled out of the parking lot... Good mod. :ORANGE:

04-30-2006, 12:31 PM	#19
birdman941 Torque wins! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 13,167	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... SFC's, properly installed, make a HUGE difference. Mysterious rattles and squeaks disappear. 3 point STB's also make a big difference. I have a 3 point Steeda STB on my GT DD, and it made a big difference. I did, however, install a set of factory bolt-on SFC's, ( it had none stock) and those also made a big difference, but I am sure not as big a difference as weld - ons. __________________ The ORIGINAL Project R build thread is back ! 5.4 32V NA Streetable 404/387 26.56 MPG "I don't like repeat offenders, I like DEAD offenders" Ted Nugent "A big engine hardly working is more efficient than a little engine screaming its head off" Jay Leno

04-30-2006, 05:20 PM	#21
GrimlokTT I looooove me car... Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fairborn, OH Posts: 2,237	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... Good question. THere are some pictures on here somewhere; however, I jack under the pumpkin.

04-30-2006, 06:40 PM	#22
G Undocumented Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Enterprise, AL Posts: 15,828	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... I do the same as above but you can install jack rails/pads with the SFC's. :ORANGE: __________________ _____________________________________________ 2003 Mach1 AB 5spd 2004 Mach1 TR 5spd (sold) 1933 Ford 3W Coupe (4.6 dohc Stack Injection) 2003 Cobra TR (sold) 2014 Mustang GT (Track Pack) in Black

01-03-2012, 09:40 AM	#24
96gt02 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Jersey Posts: 442	Re: Can you weld subframe connectors... Hey I am getting some subframes installed today on a 4 post lift from someone who has done this before and is very knowledgeable with mustangs. Is there anything that can be done so the suspension is loaded on the 4 post lift so it comes out good?

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