Moparts Tech Archive
Front Suspension
C-body Front Subframes ???
I came to find out from my own observation and from Cbody that C-body cars have a removable front subframe. Here is the question. Do all the subframes interchange from 65 to 73 ??? A later model subframe would allow me to ditch the antique swaybar setup and the drum brakes. This would also allow me to "rebuild" the frontend out of the car, making it a one day install. Any input would be greatly appreciated.Thunderhead
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You gotta "C" to believe!
My C-body Site
Well, the Plymouth C body has a shorter wheel base than a Chrysler or Dodge. The difference in wheel base was made by making the sub frame longer. So, no, you couldn't use a Chrysler Newport sub frame to go into a Plymouth Fury. It should work with a Dodge though. (I think Dodge and Chrysler had the same wheel base though the mid '70s) Hope this helps!
Eric W
Yes they will bolt on from '65-73, and yes they all are the same length as far as mounting pads go. I've swapped from chrysler to plymouth, and dodge to plymouth. Apparently the chryslers use a longer T bar, but it has no bearing on where the subframe attaches.
The difference in wheelbase is gotten from the body itself, *not* from the subframe. In fact I used a subframe from a '72 newport in a '65 fury 'vert.
That's one of the benefits to this swap, in one fell swoop you can gain later style mounts (from the '65), swaybar, and later (better/cheaper) front discs. Beats the hell out of changing out all the individual pieces.
In fact you can even use one from a '74-78 C-body. Although in that case a little modification is in order since they changed the subframe somewhat, although not much, an it's still a bolt in. The next one I do will be with one from a '74 up car just to see what it will take.
Jay
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my junk
CBody, If I understand your post corectly, I could swap the complete sub frame from my 76 New Yorker into my 68 Newport?
Thats a new one on me. I would like to see how you did it.
Eric W
centurin, I have not done one yet from a '74 up......but I took a bunch of measurements off my '74 Imperial when I had it on the hoist, and from the looks of things it'll be *essentially* a bolt in. If you take a look at your subframes you'll see the differences, there is some extra material in the later frames (off the rear) that would need to be removed (possibly it could stay) that is not on the older subs. Also the front of the sub where the bumper bolts to is slightly different. It would require some cutting and welding to make it match the older subs but it will physically bolt in......but those frames are a damn sight more easily obtained than a '73 down......and of course new parts are readily available. Just be prepared for a little extra fabrication, since I don't know of anyone who's performed that swap yet to get the details from.
Eric W, I don't exactly know what to say, other than they are interchangable, I've done these swaps several times and have yet to find any dissimilarities as far as mouting points go. I've never run into any problems, and the only times I've seen any variations have been in isolaters, and steering input shaft splines. I usually pull the ones that use rubber isolaters and replace them with steel shims, makes the car handle more precisely and you loose little or no ride quality. The steering box input shaft has only been different once, that was in a '65 SF that had a '71 fury cop car frame under it, and the input shaft was a larger diameter slightly than the steering coupler, don't know if it was the year model or being a cop car that made a difference, never cared enough to find that info out.
Jay
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my junk
EricW, I havent't done it yet and I was hoping to get a response from CBody to tell me if he thought it could be done.
My understanding of his post was that the 76 to 68 swap could be done. I own both cars so there would be no parts to buy except for the rebuild on the 76. It looks like it would fit but I wanted CBody to opine about the specific years and body types (models) I have, so I would be sure before I start ordering parts and turning wrenches.
I program this stuff. I have to. Gotta squeeze the money from somehere.
This tax rebate is like found money. So I could spring for it now.
The daily driver gotta go every day and gets first priority. The my way resto cruiser 68 is the extra money deal.
Anyway, cbody, let me know if you think my year and model specific front suspension swap will work. Thanks
cbody, Thanks for the great information. It looks like out messages cross in the ether, when I stoped in the middle of my reply to catch the end of the race on MRN. Anyway thanks again. I'm on my way to register my 86 on your Ramcharger site.
Cbody, thanks once again! You are about the only other person that gets into C-body cars like I do. I might check into the 74 up subframe. I have never paid attention to the later subs, do they use the spool type engine mounts?
Thanks.
Thunderhead
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You gotta "C" to believe!
My C-body Site
And to think I just threw away a perfectly good '71 C-body frame (from my Newport) 'cause no one wanted it.
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John
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