four link rear end
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: charlton NY
four link rear end
ive been researching alot about swapping a ford 9 inch or similar into my 86 so i can tub it. there are alot of threads and sites with information and pictures. my only question is this, ive not seen any pictures of where they weld the subframe or link mounts into the car, and as the car is fiberglass unibody style, where would i weld to? im worried about weakening the car as well, and assume they tube frame the car? any info or pics would be helpful
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 13
C4 has a full steel frame with the f/glass bonded to it
Plenty of places to weld to if f/glass cut away
Most kits are bolt in using a new bracket on the original dog bone bolt holes and a custom cross member for trans support
Plenty of places to weld to if f/glass cut away
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
Why go thru all that?
There are lots of ways to drop a C4 and not break it. Seen too many that drug the ground and wasted the floor pans. Riding in one is like a big miserable go-cart.
I cannot see the huge amount of fabrication being worthwhile. Just the center-beam alone would be a nightmare unless you bought someones bolt in kit..and you;re not going far without a solid link from trans to rear end. The body would "absorb" the stress if that C beam were gone. Unless its going to be a show car only, re-engineering can be a very costly trial & error experience..
There are lots of ways to drop a C4 and not break it. Seen too many that drug the ground and wasted the floor pans. Riding in one is like a big miserable go-cart.
I cannot see the huge amount of fabrication being worthwhile. Just the center-beam alone would be a nightmare unless you bought someones bolt in kit..and you;re not going far without a solid link from trans to rear end. The body would "absorb" the stress if that C beam were gone. Unless its going to be a show car only, re-engineering can be a very costly trial & error experience..
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 13
It is to get a stronger rearend to prevent breakages like this
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1577483235-post15.html
So what makes it different from any other car with a trans X member ????
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 3
From: The Motor City
OP
Find someone in your area who is a known real chasis fabricator, and bring the car there.
There will be more involved than a kit can provide, not to mention if your planning on tubbing the car. If doing that, the rear can than be cut/made to the car as to fit the tire inside the wheel, a better trans mount can be done (that doesn't hang low), 4 link or ladder, exhasut etc. will all fit and be welded assembled the way it should be to have a safe and reliable ride.
Find someone in your area who is a known real chasis fabricator, and bring the car there.
There will be more involved than a kit can provide, not to mention if your planning on tubbing the car. If doing that, the rear can than be cut/made to the car as to fit the tire inside the wheel, a better trans mount can be done (that doesn't hang low), 4 link or ladder, exhasut etc. will all fit and be welded assembled the way it should be to have a safe and reliable ride.
Last edited by mseven; May 1, 2011 at 08:24 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 23
From: Bowling Green KY
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: charlton NY
thanks alot, this so far has answered alot of questions. im not getting this done this summer, im gonna research a bit more and get versed in this before i try tackling it. im a proficient welder, so hopefully it doesnt get above my head
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 244
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From: harrison twp mi
four link
Very nice,heres a few pics at the start ,before i changed my mind on the blower and color.
