I'm working on a frame off my 78 cutlass, is there a reason the engine cross member isn't centered its 1" off, also the upper a arm mounts are off close to 1/2" from the other side, was all this a careless factory defect? i wouldn't be surprised looks like they hired chimpanzees to weld these frames together.
gbody frame
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Before you pulled the frame did you have it checked on a frame jig? Usually a good idea so that you can fix any problems before hand.
Was the car ever in a wreck?
Was the car ever in a wreck?
G-body engines aren't centered in the engine bay, they are offset by 1" to the passenger side (many older cars are designed this way, I assume due to the steering shaft?). Not sure where this offset was accomplished, but it's likely in the engine crossmember. I ran into this when installing the shaker in my Monte, and once you know this, you can see it when looking at the engine bay.
I've heard the offset engine deal was to help with handling. Although I'm not sure how offsetting it to the passenger side helps on a street car.
I've often heard of guys though when they are building a car for handling purposes they say it's best to try and get the engine as low, far back and to the passenger side as possible.
But I'm sure it's a multitude of things, including the steering box.
I've often heard of guys though when they are building a car for handling purposes they say it's best to try and get the engine as low, far back and to the passenger side as possible.
But I'm sure it's a multitude of things, including the steering box.
I did not realize this hmm.., There was a post on this forum some time back that had a picture that showed all the measurements on a frame from mount points and pickup holes to one another and I cant find it again,I thought the frame is symetrical is the offset in the mounting of the engine?
username said:
You mean this thread at the top of this forum?
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=8126
That's basically the frame diagram out of a chassis service manual. Doesn't show anything regarding the crossmember though.
One of the reasons that it is offset is so that the needle bearings in the uv joints will not burn up. For uv joints to last, they actually have to be canted to work right. If there is no angle on the uv joint, it will not last long. Mopar started doing that back in the 60's. The offset is also for over-all balance of the vehicle.
thanks for the replies glad to hear it was done on purpose, as far as the frame being straight it is, the crossmember being offset is obvious, the a arm mounts always have more toe on one side. ive had 6 g bodys and they are all like that, i curently have 3
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