Solid subframe bushings

[1TuffSupra]

Would you be willing to make and sell some solid subframe bushings? I had some on my old 240 and it made a world of difference in the handling feel of the car. I searched the net and couldnt find any for the supra. Would anyone else be interested?

[group a supra]

sounds intresting

[SilverSoup]

YSR did make some solid bushings for the subframe but I have no idea where to get them. If BIC made some I would definatly get some.

[becauseican]

Yes I am working on a prototype set for my car right now they should be done soon.

[1TuffSupra]

sahweet! :biglaugh:

Its just a bit wierd feeling the subframe squirm around when going over bumps, etc.

[supra90turbo]

YES. I was just searching for this exact topic.
I'm totally in whenever you're done, Randy.
I can't wait! :icon_cool

[IJ.]

These might be able to be done as a cap that locates over the stock steel inner sleeve of the rubber bush, 1 each side so they sit on the Outer rim and when bolted down lock the assemble solid.

Would be much easier than trying to press out the old rubber bush and replace it.

[Zach]

I agree with IJ, I've looked at the subframe bushings and an insert would be much, much easier. If I can get a set of calipers I'm going to snag the measurements and draw up an insert in inventor.

[garagefujimoto]

Yah I would like to see the set of 6 for the front and the 6 for the back

A puck shaped 1/2 in thick disc with a hole in it should be all that is needed.

If you make em, that'll save me having them made here.

[becauseican]

My rear subframe will be comming off in the next few days so I can start on these. I will post my progress.

[supralover2000]

Howard aka BlackdevilSupra already has these made and is selling them.
Here is his post on the NEsupras site.


Hey Guys,
Since the Supe is undergoing complete restoration, I have removed both subframes off of the car to get them cleaned, removal of all rust and scaling, recoated, and installing nylon bushings. I took the opportunity to design and manufacture solid subframe spacers to replace the completely worn out stock versions. I have a few extra sets, front and rear, available for anyone interested in replacing / upgrading their spacers. Go here for pictures: http://www.mk3.us/howard/supra/Supra%2DRenovation%2D2005/Rear%2DSubframe%2DSpacer/

They are constructed from CR steel. I painted mine for corrosion prevention purposes.
Let me know if you're interested. I'll provide a price at that time.

Howard.

[IJ.]

There ya go! :)

that's exactly what I was thinking!

[becauseican]

^^^ Thats fine, but I plan on making mine from aluminum, steel ones like those will be heavy, those probably weigh like 10+ lbs. I will make the lower bushing solid too. Stay tuned.

[IJ.]

Aluminium would be my material of choice as well.

[supra90turbo]

YAY!!! I was a bit disappointed to see just the "spacer", frankly...
Much happier to hear that you will be doing the full job, Randy! Not to mention, Aluminum, too.

Good good good. I am definetely staying tuned!!

[IJ.]

Kurt: One of those top and bottom and a large washer under the bolt will be solid without the hassle of trying to press out the stock bushing.

[supra90turbo]

The bushings come out easy!
I popped all 6 out in way less than 10mins.
Quick pry on the upper lip, then flip the frame over and hit the sleeve with a hammer. 3 hits each, they came out.

[IJ.]

WOW very different to any of the control arm bushings!

[tlo86]

now something else i cant wait for :P

[becauseican]

OK, I got my subframe off (allot easier than I thought), and I am working on the inserts now. It will work out very nicely, and the price will be very reasonable. Pics comming once I have the prototyes done.

[group a supra]

great intrest here

[supra90turbo]

Looking forward to their debut Randy! :)

[becauseican]

Well I made some good progress on them today, I got the upper/top inserts machined, and the fit perfect. Now I need to make the lower insert, reinstall and test drive. These will make the subframe 100% solid mounted to the body. Some others have just done the upper inserts, but they still allow the subframe to move down under hard acceleration or braking. The stock subframe bushings will stay on, the inserts just slide over top.

[GrimJack]

I saw these last night while picking up my car - they look great! Another part to put on my wish list...

[mmarkk]

wont the ride be to harsh when you allready have a firm suspension?

[group a supra]

wont the ride be to harsh when you allready have a firm suspension?
if you want the car to handle it generally is ;)

[GrimJack]

wont the ride be to harsh when you allready have a firm suspension?
Bah. There's plenty of flex in my tires. :D

[becauseican]

I dont think the ride will be much harsher but, handling will be much more crisp. There will probably be more road noise emmitted with the solid inserts, if you have a howling diff it will be more audioble. I cant say anything for sure until I have them done and tested on my car.

[mmarkk]

ok sounds great!
looking forward to pics/test results:)

[mkIIIman089]

Wow, I'm very interested in these as well; hopefully they'll come in at a semi reasonable price point. Subscribed!

[supra90turbo]

Just checkin in on progress Randy. Any pictures yet?

[becauseican]

Well all the inserts are complete. I just need to reassemble my subframe, and reinstall everything. I will post pics up soon. I will not sell any until I have driven and tested my car with them.

[dragracer]

I am game for these too. Let me know when they are up for sale.

Rich:icon_conf

[supra90turbo]

Very good, sir. Thank you for the reply, Randy.

[becauseican]

Well, I did the inital bolt up today and it fits perfectly. The subframe is solid onto the body, it doesnt move at all. I just need to replace the control arm bushings, reinforce the subframe ( to prevent cracking) paint then reinstall. I should be driving the car in about 2-3 weeks.

[91SupraTurbo]

I am in for these for sure

[becauseican]

Well the subframe spacer are finished, I just need to reassemble everything and get the car on the road for testing.

I also made some subframe reinforcement plates for above the front center sectionwhere the diff mounts. I am thinking of possibly making a pre made kit that you just weld on your damaged subframe, or just as a preventitive reinforcement. Any interest in these?

[supra90turbo]

Woo Hoo! Get those "bushings" tested, I can't wait! As for the subframe reinforcement plates, the sooner the better as my subframe is already sandblasted and waiting to go to the Powdercoater... I wanted to get some braces made up for preventative measures, so this will be perfect. I can't test it for quite some time, but I can have them fitted and let you know what I think of them.. let me be the guinea pig!

My subframe is ready for them whenever you can get another set done, Randy. Let me know!

[supra90turbo]

Any word yet, Randy?
I'm ready to get it welded.

[IJ.]

I'll be doing the bush and reinforcement thing when I get to the 9" conversion in the next couple of weeks!

I've sourced a spare subframe to use for a development mule so I won't need to take Fatty off the road for too long!

[becauseican]

Any word yet, Randy?
I'm ready to get it welded.

OK I can fabricate another set of the reinforcement plates this week. They are 1/8" thick steel. Price will be $50+ shipping, so like $60 shipped.

[blackout_89t]

OK I can fabricate another set of the reinforcement plates this week. They are 1/8" thick steel. Price will be $50+ shipping, so like $60 shipped.

You have a picture of them? :naughty:

[supra90turbo]

Yeah, I'd like to see what they look like too!
My subframe is at the welder right now, and he was asking about where they go.

[SupraOfDoom]

dito.

[becauseican]

OK here are the pics of the reinforcement plates.

[becauseican]

And now the aluminum subframe spacers.

[IJ.]

Nice work Randy!

[garagefujimoto]

I'm sold.
When can I get the bushings.
I want to get them, and some swaybar endlinks.

[group a supra]

very cool sir

[jdub]

And now the aluminum subframe spacers.

Very nice! A couple of questions:
Can these be easily replaced with the sub-frame on the car? Or do you have to remove the frame?
Have you tried them out? How are they in terms of harshness/vibration?
When are you going to have these for sale and how much?

Thanks!

[becauseican]

Very nice! A couple of questions:
Can these be easily replaced with the sub-frame on the car? Or do you have to remove the frame?
Have you tried them out? How are they in terms of harshness/vibration?
When are you going to have these for sale and how much?

Thanks!


This style will requier you to drop the subframe down enough that the bolts on the body of the car will clear the tops of the subframe. I think if you were carefull, you could just remove the exhaust and drivesaft, lower it down insert the spacers and bolt it back up again. I could slot out the spacers so they will slide in without dropping the whole thing but then there is a chance that they can pop out durring driving which would be very bad. So for safety's sake I think I will leave them as they are.

I havent had a cahnce to drive with these things yet, My car should be driving in the next week or two, then I will be able to give some driving impressions. Yes I do plan on selling these once they are tested. I havent figured out a price yet but it will be reasonable.

[garagefujimoto]

Yes I do plan on selling these once they are tested. I havent figured out a price yet but it will be reasonable.

Ok my car will sit on the jackstand pending release of these.
The i can put my frame, new LSD and swaybars on

[supra90turbo]

Randy, can't wait!
I told the guy who is welding my subframe that I could get these from you, but he told me that my subframe looked very similar to 240sx and 300zx subframes, and with my pictures that I gave him of cracked ones, he said he was certain that he will figure something out for it.

I'm totally in for the spacers though. Ready when you are.

[becauseican]

I should have my car back togeather this week and on the ground to start testing, assuming my cams get here so I can drive it. I will post the results soon.

[Jayhall]

I should have my car back togeather this week and on the ground to start testing, assuming my cams get here so I can drive it. I will post the results soon.

:D awsome

[supra90turbo]

yeah. i feel like the domo in your sig jay!!!

[Illusive MA70]

I'm sold.
When can I get the bushings.
I want to get them, and some swaybar endlinks.

BIC makes swaybar endlinks??
What negative effect can these spacers have on the car??
I autocross my car so I would definitley be interested in these, and do you make any other reinforcement items to help the MK3 handle better or have less flex?

[IJ.]

Negetives will only be a bit of extra road noise and harshness.

[Illusive MA70]

hummm I guess now I have to purchase the spacers and also the endlinks......ok you talked me into it. keep us posted.

[Adjuster]

Nice, now I have more mods to do... Thanks:)

Seriously though, as the power has gone up, the rear end is sure starting to wiggle, and anything that will help add a feeling of control is a great idea.

I'm about to ditch all the stock bushings on the control arms and links and get the Urethane ones, or just heim joint them. These alloy spacers would be icing on the cake for rear wheel control.

[becauseican]

Yes, the reason I developed these is because of my bad wheel hop. It is pretty bad when you have a 500rwhp car and only run low 13's at 117 mph !!!!!, I couldnt launch hard without the car hopping like mad.

I also made some custom suspension arms, which I might decide to make more sets for the public.

[NashMan]

i have done this befor the full soild monte it is a harsh ride on bummpy road's
but it feels nice you will feel every thing

but i sold my old set of fully monted supra frame spacer for semy solid monte

set up that i have now witch i like alot better then full soild monte cause of less vibes and handles the same and bit better for draging ass well


auto x and drag tested

[IJ.]

Yes, the reason I developed these is because of my bad wheel hop. It is pretty bad when you have a 500rwhp car and only run low 13's at 117 mph !!!!!, I couldnt launch hard without the car hopping like mad.

I also made some custom suspension arms, which I might decide to make more sets for the public.

Randy: Maybe some way of preloading the bump stops at the front of the subframe might have helped? (I'll try this on mine when the new subframe goes in)

[Allan_MA70]

Negetives will only be a bit of extra road noise and harshness.

in my book this meens you should of gone out got a 180sx / silvia not a GT car like a supra, a Supra was not ment to be harsh with bags of road noise :(

I have been in one supra with a locked diff and that was bad enough!

[NashMan]

Randy: Maybe some way of preloading the bump stops at the front of the subframe might have helped? (I'll try this on mine when the new subframe goes in)

the semi soilds are perloaded on in my set up

[supra90turbo]

Randy: Subframe spacers... ready yet?
also, more info on those rear arms? I'm getting ready to buy the a-1 arms, but if you're developing some, do show. I may buy them from you. support for the mk3 community, ya know?

[becauseican]

Yes I have 3 sets of spacers ready. I will be road testing my car this weekend. I dont think I will be doing the control arms right now, I am just too busy.

[supra90turbo]

Check PM Randy!

[JonnyRedline]

any updates? will need a set within a couple of weeks!

[becauseican]

Sorry guys, I have been so insanely busy the last few weeks. Like I said I have 3 more sets ready. I am not sure on price exactly but I will figure it out. My car is all put togeather, but I just need to tune it ( just added new cams and 750cc injectors) as its not starting right now. As soon as I have miles on them I will post the results and then i will start selling them, but until I have driven with them I will not sell any.

Randy

[JonnyRedline]

word...can i reserve a set in the meantime then? :)

[garagefujimoto]

Set 2 is for me

[JonnyRedline]

Ok set 3 is for me bitchessssssssssss

[supra90turbo]

I better have dibs on the first set... I've been waiting for these forever-like.
Let us know, Randy!

[becauseican]

OK, I took it for the first drive yesterday, I just went up the street a few times..........Wow, it feels soooo much tighter, the clutch feels like it is grabbier, and more solid feeling. If you have a noisy/ sloppy diff you will definatly hear it. Not so much road niose but diff noise is transfered to the car. I will drive it more in the next few days.

[Boss302]

DUDE I"M SO IN what's your prices?

[JonnyRedline]

awesome...keep us updated!

[91SupraTurbo]

I'm in when some more sets are available.

[Boss302]

i think this would be an AWESOME group buy. if we could also somehow get suprasport.com's polyurithane master bushing kit suspension would be SWEET!

[supra90turbo]

Randy: Ready when you are!

[becauseican]

OK , I have been driving with these for a while now and I love them, I just went to the drag strip and autocrossed my car and no more wheel hop and suspension response it much more crisp. I will be stating a new thread about these parts for sale.

[JonnyRedline]

yay! wheres the thread?

[becauseican]

OK, these are for sale now $120, see thread in the "stickies" in the BIC section

[garagefujimoto]

i am going to look at a seat for you later this week
if so i will be taking set as well as 4 endlinks
thanks

[supra90turbo]

yay! I should be paypaling you this weekend Randy!