Install a Subframe & Suspension - Chris Alston's Chassisworks

Cage sidesare carefullypositionedto clearthe stocksun visorsand glovecompartmentdoor.Suspension stage begins by tacking in both setsof forward 4-link brackets, even with the outsideof the frame rails.Next, a strut connects the main hoop to the frame above the 4-link bars, forming an X-brace.Chassisworks installers use this notched section of angle iron to align and hold the three sectionsduring welding.Longest sectionsare the rear strutstying the main hoopinto the back ofthe frame. Here,Garceau bothmeasures forstrut length anddetermines thesection of thepackage tray tobe notched forclearance.The short strut at theright ties one side of thecage to the frame at apoint just above theforward 4-link bracket.Installation of thehorizontal seat-backbrace and swing-outside-bar clevises(visible above torch)completed this12-point roll cage.How ToInstall a Subframe & SuspensionThe many advantages of a mandrel-bentChassisworks subframebegin with a super-low ride height.What brings the body way, waydown is an ultra-high frame “kickup”over the rearend. Moreover, bysimply repositioning two bolts inthe lower shock-absorber mounts,the body can be lowered even further— or raised — in a matter ofminutes. As much as six full inchesof “instant” height adjustmentis built right into these uniqueChassisworks shock mounts. (Thedesign is also specially contouredto clear a back brace attachedto any popular rearend housing,including the beefy 9-inch Ford.)Chassisworks subframes arealso much narrower than olderframe designs sold by competitors,thanks to the tighter bend of thedropped front crossmember. Theextra three-to-four inches of tireclearance created here are reallycritical in a Vega or other smallvehicle, whose performance may Email: sales@cachassisworks.com Web: cachassisworks.com Chris Alston’s Chassisworks Inc., 8661 Younger Creek Drive, Sacramento, CA 958283