DF tubular subframe install, tech and reviews

[RobC76]

This is the mount that has to be cutoff to allow subframe to be bolted to drivetrain. I’ll get something figured out.

My

 

[RobC76]

Rear mount is complete. Just waiting on some bushings stock to arrive for the space between the DF mount and the bracket I made. I have the cad file, if anyone needs it just let me know. I’ll get the front sorted out this weekend and get it put in cad, try one out and report back next week.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Let's see, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 bolts...should be good for 1000 ft.lbs. of torque! LOL!

 

[RobC76]

I was hoping that plate would possibly serve as a stiffener for the diff housing that is behind it. I have zero engineering data to backup that up however lol.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

The ribs cast into the transmission case provide the primary stiffness for the differential. The solid transmission mount plate would only add minimally to the overall stiffness of the transmission. But the benefit of additional bolts spreads the driveline forces over more contact points minimizing the chances of case failure at any one bolt. So in a way your thinking is not off the mark. Keep up the good work!

 

[Markm]

I painted everything yesterday and today was install time. Probably a solid 6 hours to check parts inventory, mock up and install. Built the knuckles backwards, a few times so that took time, but referred to pictures here and got it right. On SC models, the intercooler pump and bracket have to be removed, but thats about it on mods. Putting the subframe up was easy, aligning all the holes was a PITA. Overall, look at the pics and get after it.

tomorrow or sat I’ll align it and go for a test drive.
View attachment 47754View attachment 47756View attachment 47757

Did you need any spacers or anything for the rear brake calipers? I was going to use a hydraulic park brake and original front calipers but obviously the bracket pattern is wrong. I’ll be ordering solstice calipers and just wondering if that’s all I’m missing. Thanks

 

[Rttoys]

Did you need any spacers or anything for the rear brake calipers? I was going to use a hydraulic park brake and original front calipers but obviously the bracket pattern is wrong. I’ll be ordering solstice calipers and just wondering if that’s all I’m missing. Thanks

I'm pretty sure I used the spacers like on the stock setup. I have since changed to the Justin reed setup, so I can’t look. Referencing old pictures, I can’t tell if the spacers are in there, but I’m pretty sure they are.

how are you doing a hydraulic park brake? I have one way I was going to do it, but have gone another way at the moment.

 

[Markm]

I'm pretty sure I used the spacers like on the stock setup. I have since changed to the Justin reed setup, so I can’t look. Referencing old pictures, I can’t tell if the spacers are in there, but I’m pretty sure they are.

how are you doing a hydraulic park brake? I have one way I was going to do it, but have gone another way at the moment.

I have spacers that came in the brake kit so hopefully they’ll fit if I need them. I’m still tossing around the idea of the hydraulic park brake. I guess I could still use the park brake valve even with the solstice calipers. This is the valve I have I am thinking mounting in in the tunnel somewhere near the shifter but I haven’t quite gotten to that step yet.

 

[Rttoys]

Yep. Those should be it. Should work fine. Nothing wrong with running the stock park brake setup though.

Switching to the JR setup, looses the park brake. I have a line lock I might add in as a park brake, but haven’t decided yet.

 

[Markm]

Yep. Those should be it. Should work fine. Nothing wrong with running the stock park brake setup though.

Switching to the JR setup, looses the park brake. I have a line lock I might add in as a park brake, but haven’t decided yet.

I have the handle, cable and tubes so I could go either way I guess

 

[RobC76]

Front mount that comes on the tubular subframe has to be cut off. I will design a mount that will tackle that issue as well. Once done I’ll share both designs, cad files or whatever y’all need. Happy to help
Thank you

Made headway on the front trans bracket for F40 in new subframe.
Pics show mockup along with one pic showing where I’ll add .300 more material.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

You need to put some speedholes in those hunky metal plates to lighten them up a bit!

 

[RobC76]

You need to put some speedholes in those hunky metal plates to lighten them up a bit!

I need speed racer here to help me

 

[SmsDetroit]

Hope I didn’t mess up. Know one mention it. The bolts that go into the aluminum spindle I put anti-seize on. My thought is I don’t want them ripping treads out if I have to remove them later since it’s a steel bolt going into aluminum. Also does any have to torque specs for them

 

[Markm]

Hope I didn’t mess up. Know one mention it. The bolts that go into the aluminum spindle I put anti-seize on. My thought is I don’t want them ripping treads out if I have to remove them later since it’s a steel bolt going into aluminum. Also does any have to torque specs for them

I used red loctite in the blind hole and on the threads and gave it about three ugga duggas. Fine thread 5/8” bolt torque that I could find is 180 ft lbs but I didn’t feel the aluminum would handle that torque. I used the same procedure assembling the uprights.

 

[SmsDetroit]

Cool. I’ll check my bolts regularly. Also I set the rod ends up like the front with them backed out 4 turns. Can anyone confirm this is correct.

 

[Markm]

Cool. I’ll check my bolts regularly. Also I set the rod ends up like the front with them backed out 4 turns. Can anyone confirm this is correct.

I adjusted the lower arm rod ends out equally until the bolts went in the holes. The toe adjusters I eyeballed to the front with a string then did the alignment.

 

[SmsDetroit]

From laid out to installed. Took about 4 hours. I still need to torque everything but I don’t know what the specs are for the spindles

 

[Rttoys]

Run similar torque specs like you would stock. Or tight till it snaps and back off 1/2 turn

 

[RBikeMan]

Hi Folks,

I am trying to get the forward transmission mounting holes to line up on my F35 transmission. Any hints? I am considering loosening the motor mounts and the four subframe mounting bolts. Then using a tapered drift to assist. It has been a bit of a challenge lol to get those four bolts aligned. Thanks!

Vince
#415 2007 SS SC
Knoxville