Gen 3 Subframe Mod

[kevinspann]

when you weld that plate in there... is it touching the underneath or is there a gap between the original? and from underneath are we cutting a 2 inch hole threw both layers..... and then we see the bottom side of that 1/4 plate steel that we just welded???

Yes. It's touching - just sitting on top, and then welded on. the plate is an odd shape, so test fit it a bunch of times before welding it on. I would test fit the plate, then drill the big hole approx. where it needs to be, then weld the plate on and drill for the motor mount stud.

 

[rubydist]

on the 96-97 version of the subframe, simply spacing up the appropriate area is fine, since both the top and bottom layer of steel in the sf are there for strength.

on the later version of the sf, welding in the spacer is a much better idea, since you have eliminated the lower layer of steel in the sf with the big hole saw, so only have the top on left to hold stuff in place. it is much better to weld that spacer plate in as has been described so that you don't end up with a crack in the sf from the torque forces of the engine.

 

[christiansho]

ahhhhh ok yes now that makes sence! thanks! ya i was wondering cause i knew there would be a space! i sorta thought when you use the hole saw you just got threw both layers of the subframe and just the stud will go threw the new plate steel and the nut will tighten on the underside of the plate steel once you hole saw both layers! ok that is good to know thanks

 

[Irish Pride]

Multi year bump I know... After having this subject come up on FB over the last couple of weeks I decided to Sticky this. Cant believe that it hadnt been done before.

 

[zak]

Very good idea to sticky this. The posts right above yours are talking about how to provide the connection for the front mount. The approach JEM used was one of the cleanest, and the one used on mine. 1 5/8 inch roll bar tubing goes inside the lower and upper holes that are hole sawed as discussed above. This tubing meets a 3/16 flat plate that sits on top of the subframe, having a hole that the front engine mount bolts to. The 1 5/8 roll bar tubing is the perfect diameter for the correct socket to pass through to tighten the mount down. All of this has to be carefully welded together.

There may be greater advantages to using even later subframes, e.g. 2002 to 2003.5, or the 2003.5-2007 subframes. These may provide greater anti dive, and the revisions incuded changes to the front spindles. As this evolved Ford was able to reduce the front spring rate below 155 lb/in. beginning around 2002.

 

[SHOhopefull]

I'm the guilty one for Chad's bump LOL

I have a 2001 SEL I'm about to part out, and my SHO just sitting in the garage...

 

[Irish Pride]

I'm the guilty one for Chad's bump LOL

I have a 2001 SEL I'm about to part out, and my SHO just sitting in the garage...

Actually, I'm doing a gen 3 subframe swap right now on my 91+.