Gen3 Subframe Perks?

[TwistedD85]

Besides improved suspension geometry, less wheel hop and that kind of stuff, what else is a Gen3 subframe in a Gen1/2 good for? Gives you better access to the starter as I've seen before. Any additional clearance for rims and tires?

 

[St Louis SHO]

No extra clearence for Wheels or Tires. If you had one, you'd understand the minute you drove it why you wanted one...

 

[black92]

You'll get the ability to use a ZF rack, The wheel bearings bolt in instead of press in. You'll eliminate a set of rubber bushings on the control arms. The front knuckles are aluminum compared to steel. The oil filter wont drip all over the subframe every time to take it off. And if I remember correctly, you'll get better access to the y-pipe.

 

[Ishodu]

Ball joints are also cheaper and no need to replace the whole LCA. Makes the car so much better to work on under there.

 

[SHO_DOODmorrris]

Shoot, is it the gen 3 sho or just taurus that would have this subframe? there was one at our picknpull in the summer guess i should have taken the subframe...

 

[BlackonBlack89]

IIRC its easy to start the a 99 slo subframe. I forget why.


When it is all done, is it lighter than the Gen1/2 SF?? anyone khow much

 

[SHO_DOODmorrris]

now for my other q... does it have the zf rack like the SHO? and one more... will my intrax and tokico's still fit in those knuckles?

 

[TwistedD85]

Well crap, was hoping for a little more inside clearance, guess I can only go out and not in. I'm guessing you also have to get someone to change the motor mounts and things like that, considering they probably don't line up, am I right? Also kinda curious about DOODmorrris' questions as well.

 

[Eric VerValin]

You people just don't stop @ giving me ideas... lol


Ok... riddle me this G3 subframers... I have 95 knuckles, and the FN74's.... so basically, I'll be able to sell someone a brake upgrade kit huh ? lol

I remember looking at the 97's stuff and amazed at the weight difference. I would almost think that aluminum would heat up too much and expand, therefor wearing out the wheel bearings faster... but when they bolt in.. who cares.. its an easy fix.

I enjoyed pressing that bearing in and out 4 times last year... much fun.. why would I want to get rid of that..

 

[SHO_DOODmorrris]

ditto

 

[shobote]

IIRC the 99 SHO has the ZF; only the SHO model Taurus for sure; soembody weighed them and not much difference. Talked with a few who did this and all said the same; big difference in handling and smoother ride

 

[St Louis SHO]

All 96-99 SHO's have the ZF. You can use the ZF rack on a Gen 2 subframe if you wish. The subframe does not give you a considerable weight break. If I had to guess, it might actually weigh more.

 

[kikkinasphalt]

Well crap, was hoping for a little more inside clearance, guess I can only go out and not in. I'm guessing you also have to get someone to change the motor mounts and things like that, considering they probably don't line up, am I right? Also kinda curious about DOODmorrris' questions as well.

there is a lot more involved.

your better off to pay someone(who has done it) to "kit" you a subframe/rack and freight ship it to you

 

[SHO_DOODmorrris]

there is a lot more involved.

your better off to pay someone(who has done it) to "kit" you a subframe/rack and freight ship it to you

Suchas?

 

[Ishodu]

You need to cut and weld the motor mount mounting locations as well as the tranny mount location you also need to cut a notch and re weld in the hole. You would also need to make sure you have them re welded in the right spots or things wont line up.
This is what mine looked like prior to installation.

 

[SHO_DOODmorrris]

is there a writeup on this?

 

[Sho Amo]

yes, try searching.

st.louis sho, how much would you charge for one?

 

[Inkertinker]

You may want to get ahold of NESHO, as he's closer. We charge the same amount. $500 for just the frame.

- James from Dave's

 

[K-Dawg]

You'll need a jig to get the mounts in the right place. With the ZF rack, you'll need custom power steering hoses. I combined a Gen 2 hose with a Gen 3 hose for the high pressure side, and used a Gen 3 return to route the low pressure hose under the AC condenser. You'll also need to figure out some way to mount the cruise control, which I haven't done yet. I just have it wedged in between the trans and frame for now. You'll need longer caliper bolts, and I used Gen 3 ABS sensors. Here's mine before installation.







BTW, I had to do some grinding where the control arm goes into the frame under the trans mount.

 

[SHO_DOODmorrris]

VERY nice! thanks for the pics! thats what i was looking for!