Frame Connectors

[canadian74se]

I'm going to Install frame connectors on my car soon. Anyone gone ahead and done this? Any tips or problems you've run into. If you have some pictures that would be great.

I'm also going to make a engine bay brace to help with the extra weight of the big block.

Just to stiffen the body up a bit. I'll be putting in adjustable front/rear shocks and if money allows cal-tracs suspension with the traction bars.

[hotrodder]

LOL, this sounds familiar... Do you already have the stuff to do this with? If not, look into A.R.T. They will have most everything that you'll probably need to strengthen everything up. I got their weld in hemi torque boxes, weld in subframe connectors... I've also have got a leaf spring relocation kit by Mopar Performance (if I remember right), and rear leaf spring slider mounts by AFCO (again if I remember right). The sliders can be bolted on, but weld in is the preferred method.. I plan on running the Cal Tracks too, would like to run the split mono leafs but for now I think i'm gonna have to go with the factory replacements style h.d. springs... While you are upgrading and adding all this other stuff, you say you are going to "make an engine bay brace" what does this all entail? Lastly (for now ), what are you doing to do as far as control arms, bushings, ect? Are you going to leave the factory arms on, or go tubular? Rubber bushings or urethane?

[Deleted]

The frame connectors in my 74 are home made, but I too bought frame connectors and touque boxes from ART for my 68, and I think thats the way to go. They fit right in with no fuss and there is spots cut out for you factory emergency brake to run through them. Why do you need a brace? Are you planning to run a ton of hp? My 74 ran for years with over 700hp and didn't need a brace of anykind on the engine

[canadian74se]

Well i was going to grab straight bars and weld them in but i'll check out this company and if the price isnt crazy i'll go that route. I dont have any of the parts yet. For the front engine bay brace i was thinking it will help with front sway. My brother pu tthem on his many mustangs and you feel the difference. I remember car with a bunch of sloppy roll lol it was fun it really needs to come down in that department.

I've been looking around for affordable tubular upper control arms and lowers but they're priced really high and i've emailed the companies and they say they wont fit 73/74 cars and have no plans on building the stuff. I'll get poly front end bushings and replace all the tie rods and drag link. I'd like to get a nice beefy frotn and rear sway bar also but thats if i have cash to do this. I have to fix the pirate ship steering lol its wild, really easy to turn corners & steer if your a baby but your always moving the damn thing to try and keep it straight.

[canadian74se]

Also i guess the majority of body roll was because I used the right foot to floor technic.

[hotrodder]

Yeah, I've heard a lil about somewhat limited parts for the 73/74 Chargers...

[Deleted]

I upgraded my car to a big block k-member and completely rebuilt the suspension with stock big block parts. The only thing I changed was I threw away the power steering and installed a manual box. It steers straight as an arrow going down the road if you take you hands off the wheel and there is no play at all in the steering. The only down side to that route is its power by arm strong steering, but I like it. My wife doesn't when she drives it but oh well. Anyway its cheaper to do this than to go with after market tubular suspension components and it works great for me. Also the parts are available at any part store. Just my 2 cents

[canadian74se]

"rockatanski" Where did you find a big block K-member?
My steering bos needs some attention lol its like a pirate ship wheel, my friends get a laugh out of it. I'll have a look at my power steering set up because i have 4 or 5 power steering upgrade articles from mopar action/mopar muscle mags.

I got th enewest edition of Mopar Collectors Guide, some guy sells the engine front brace for 270$ lol My idea!! I might make one and if its not hard I'll make a bunch of them for SB & BB's sell them at Moparfest or something for just over Cost.

So tubular suspension is out, its crazy in price right now. I'll use stock componets add front/rear sway bars, super stock leafs, frame connectors either home made or ART. I'm going to keep the original torsion bars for straight line purpose's and add adjustable front shocks to help with "popping" the front end.

I just bought a car lift so this should make things a lot easier to work on under the car. I'll just keep things simple and cost effective.

[Deleted]

They are out there...mine came from a wrecked 73 400 car. There was a couple for sale at moparfest this year. Try sending this guy a e-mail, hes in Quebec and has tons of parts for our cars. The e-mail is [e-mail].
Good luck

[Deleted]

Make sure to you get a 73-73 member, not 71-72.