Front frame brace

[druggles85]

I already have the jounce bars and the GP bar installed on my frame. Looks like it will help triangulate some but it all bolts on the bottom.

What I'm wondering is if it would be worthwhile to bolt a brace across the top of the frame where the front bumper shocks mount. Would be easy enough to do and would catch 4 bolts.

Maybe help prevent some twisting but maybe just a waste of time.

 

[UNGN]

The Body stiffens the frame on the top side, so you want to stiffen the body.

The cross across the radiator, the front corner bars in the engine compartment, Install all of the lower body mounts.

 

[GuysMonteSS]

I already have the jounce bars and the GP bar installed on my frame. Looks like it will help triangulate some but it all bolts on the bottom.

What I'm wondering is if it would be worthwhile to bolt a brace across the top of the frame where the front bumper shocks mount. Would be easy enough to do and would catch 4 bolts.

Maybe help prevent some twisting but maybe just a waste of time.

I did make a brace for mine several years ago,although I only got it on two of the bolts.
It didnt make any difference,but I did leave it there.
The ones that UNGN mention made a bigger difference,as did the GP bar.Mine already had the jounce bars.
Guy

 

[druggles85]

So I went ahead and ignored everyone's advice and did this anyway lol.

 

[88AZSS]

I've wondered about this but on the rear frame rails instead of the front. I know a hitch with the received cut (or left on if thats your thing) is the way to go for that. As for the front like you did, looks fairly straightforward and clean. Have you had a chance to take it for a run and notice any difference?
Also, were you intending on adding the fender to core support braces as well? Those do make a difference as stated before.

 

[druggles85]

Problem is I never got a chance to drive the car before I pulled it apart. I made a half dozen laps around the parking lot at work. But that was about it.

I plan on bracing the rear frame rails and adding every other brace I can get my hands on.

Truly won't have any idea if any individual brace does anything.

The car had come a long way from. The v6 auto powered pos with bad shocks, crap body mounts, tiny front swaybar with no rear, and no chassis bracing.

 

[403Olds]

I always wondered about the front brace, since the rear brace is such a noticeable improvement. I made stiffer front fender braces out of electrical tubing that helped also. One thing that's been on my radar after working on a buddy's 78 Trans Am is a brace from the front A- arm rear mount to the frame rail I'm not sure how much flex is there, but it was factory on the Trans Am.

 

[motorheadmike]

Triangulation!

 

[Rt Jam]

Triangulation!

I agree. Bracing at 90 deg from the frame member adds very little strength to anything. It will do well in an accident or a crash up derby though.

 

[motorheadmike]

I agree. Bracing at 90 deg from the frame member adds very little strength to anything. It will do well in an accident or a crash up derby though.

Agreed, anything else is just masturbation.