Camaro Subframe

[Coronas56]

Ok fellas , need some help , Can anyone tell me how to find the center of my wheel base for a camaro sub frame, some say center of spindle, other say where the center of shock mount, the sub is in parts, any help would me much appreciated, want to start cutting this weekend and get it done right...........thanks much

[tiggerstoy]

when i did mine i used a lond peice of steel, with 2 peices of tie-rod, one at each center of the weel( spindle and axel) take your time to make it center, then away you go!
post some pic's as you go.........max.

[1-ton of fun]

i used the shock holes for the center line on mine

[pgf545]

Here is a link to another member that just did that recently. He has some pretty good pictures of his install.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220256

Bernie

[55dude]

one thing i just ran into on my cousin's 51' chevy is they did a very nice install of the 76' camaro subframe but when it was done it apparently sat to low and the tires rubbed so they installed taller springs. wel when i was going to have the front end aligned the springs had the upper a-arms pulled down so much it is causing a -3.1 degrees of camber. it should be +0.3-1.8 degree's. well if you know front ends that means your out of adjustment and to fix it you need extended upper a-arms. so make sure you set it up and tack it together or your going to be redoing it. this is what happens when you buy a truck already built. do your homework or you will be sorry. hopefully i can fix the problem with minimal headaches.

[dan42]

Very nice truck...

[56chevy1300]

Hi Coronas56 I sent you a PM.

[MARTINSR]

You know what you measure for the center line? You BOLT THE FRONT SHEETMETAL ON and see if the wheel is in the center of the wheel well. I THOUGHT I was on the right track with the measuring tape and test fit the sheet metal to find that I was back about a quarter inch. That quarter inch is a LOT when you are too far back, it looks like hell.

Put some "all thread" thru the shock location and put nuts at top and bottom and tighten them up (put some grease on the treads first and use the long nuts available where you get the "all thread") tighten it up until the suspension is at it's normal ride height. Then you can set your front end up just as it will be with the engine and sheet metals weight on it.

Brian

[1-ton of fun]

but you still need a centerline to measure from to make sure the sub is square with the frame

[56chevy1300]

I agree with both you guys; I believe you can mount the subframe anywhere you want -- it was recommended to me to move the axle 1.5-2" forward so it looks centered in the wheelwell.

Since the subframe is in parts, he still needs to know what reference to use as the axle centerline on the subframe...I used the rear of the shock mount hole as the axle centreline.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220256

[Coronas56]

Thanks Ross, I believe that answered my question, I found another clip, a G body from an 84 Grand prix, Grand Prix had all the extras, Like the bigger sway bars quick ratio gear box, the clip was a Mn car, but it was rust proofed, so it was safe from the salt used up here...........I have your Ph # Just in case , you wil be hearing from me..........P.S. Got it for 100.00..........thanks again

[Coronas56]

Originally Posted by Coronas56

Thanks Ross, I believe that answered my question, I found another clip, a G body from an 84 Grand prix, Grand Prix had all the extras, Like the bigger sway bars quick ratio gear box, the clip was a Mn car, but it was rust proofed, so it was safe from the salt used up here...........I have your Ph # Just in case , you wil be hearing from me..........P.S. Got it for 100.00..........thanks again

That Grand prix info was found in Classic trucks magazine in the Oct. Issue of 1996 Page 72 - 77 My boss Made me copies...........

[56chevy1300]

No worries man, good luck and keep us posted!

[tiggerstoy]

let's see somepic's as you go, and good luck....p.s. take your time and remeasure alot.

[jill56]

Here is a pic of mine if it will help you any.

[Coronas56]

I c you moved your engine mounts forward, was this to clear the firewall?

[jill56]

Yes. We still had to work on the firewall a little too. You can see in the pic to the left of the hump.