Just installed a set of JEGs bolt in frame connectors. Installation was fairly easy. There were two small "lips" that had to be notched out of the leaf spring bucket (bolt area). Other than that it was pretty straight forward.

Also, this was the first time I ever ordered from JEGs and I am impressed. All items in stock, shipped the same day, 36lbs. of parts and only $12 for shipping.

I am also installing a pair of Competition traction bars. They are also installing very easily and straight forward. The only snag was that I failed to order new leaf spring pads as they were installed a few years ago and assumed they would be ok. However, they were shot. Too many burnouts and they had shifted, twisted, one shackle was sheared off and the other three were bent to hell.

I have not driven the car yet as we had pulled the motor to install a BOP rear main seal, so everything needed to be hooked back up etc.

If anyone else has installed frame connectors I am curious how you like them and what differences have you noticed etc.?

The Coughlin family has a great nationwide business that started here in Columbus, Ohio. They've always had or can get what I need the next day since the warehouse is up in Delaware, Ohio. Their facility is state of the art, and I have a retail store just a few miles away.

One thing they were known for was not good. I had heard stories of them loosing the parts you brought in to have worked on. And it happened to an old friend. He had taken in a matched set of heads for an original numbers matching '69 302 CID Z28. Yep, you guessed it. They wound up missing. He received in turn a pair of the correct heads, but the were not date code correct. But that was in the past, and I don't know if the claim of missing parts is still valid.

I'm still debating which convertible sub-frame connectors I want to get.

For convertible sub-frame connectors, what is the the general concensus? Do you weld in the H support to the frame connector, cut out that support, or go around it? I am not to that point on mine, but plan to do the frame tie thing, and have been contemplating this alot.

Paul.

There are several manufactures that now offer FG convertible subframe connectors. Some require modification others don't. Global West 900C or Hotchkis 4008 are the ones I'm considering.

My convert subframe connectors are welded front, rear, and notched and welded to the floor brace. It's exceptionally strong, I can jack it up on one corner and the doors still open and close.

Be sure to change the subframe bushings with a very durable type first, as once you're welded they are in for good. The previous owner of my car missed this step.

I just put the Hotchkis conv conecters on mine. One of the best improvments.Makes a big difference.

sorry pic didn't work.

Had to wait for new leaf spring pads to arrive from NPD. They came today so tomorrow is the big day. I will say one thing, NPD had all three items in stock that I needed (desperately), they said they would ship the same day and that I would get them the next. That is exactly what happened! Kudos to NPD!

Should be able to get everything buttoned up and up and running tomorrow. Really looking forward to the new M21, shifter etc., frame connectors and traction bars.

I am also looking forward and hoping that the BOP rear main seal hold tight. I'd love to get this ole girl leak free!

I'm already thinking of the next projects and which order I will do them. New stock exhaust system w/ NOS splitters, front disc brakes, tilt wheel, power windows, re-paint. Now I just need to win the lottery and I'll be all set... LOL

I will say one thing about installing traction bars. What a PITA! Should be back up and running tomorrow. I'll post some pics soon...

I have now driven the ole girl with all the new components in place. I do not even know where to begin.

First, the new M21 (built to the MAX and converted to an M22), with the correct shifter body, new pilot bearing, new throw out bearing, NOS Hurst shifter handle, NOS rubber boot & trim ring, new linkages, shift levers etc. I never knew an old Muncie could be soooooooo nice! Thanks to a good friend and a guy who knows this stuff inside and out like nobody else, my old Muncie has been reunited with the car after more than a 6 year hiatis. This transmission shifts like a hot knife through butter!!!!

Next, frame connectors. Bottom line, should have done this 8 years ago the day I bought the car. I can not even begin to describe the difference in the way the car handles, turns, stops, takes off, and everything else in between! This is one upgrade that I HIGHLY recommend to anyone with a first gen "f" body.

Traction bars. See above (frame connectors). Due to the fact that all of these things were done at the same time it is difficult to say which part is responsible for what. However, the combo is absolutely incredible. I new dreamed that our old FGF could ever handle and ride as well as this with just a few upgrades. Along with installing the traction bars, all new U-bolts, leaf spring pads (poly), new rear shocks were all installed.

We also installed a new BOP rear main seal, oil pan gasket, positive battery cable and a few other misc. things. This was one of the best results yet of any other projects I have done thus far!

Truly amazing!

I heard the Global West ones were supposed to be good because they don't mount to the rear spring perch which is not very strong, but to some other part. Anyone that can confirm this, and where do the Hotchkis mount to?

The brand I used are the Jegsters (JEGs). In my case, the leaf spring bucket bolts and this area is in excellent condition. I was able to draw the connectors up extremely tight. Everything is pulled up tight and perfectly straight. The front frame rail, the frame connector and the rear springs/traction bars are all right in line perfectly. The best part of this is the fact that everything is bolt on and easily removed if need be...

Here is a few pics of the connectors and ground clearence.They are the vert one's.

They go on the rear frame rails next to the spring perch.(see pic)

How about a photo of your traction bars...

Will do! I'll try tomorrow. I have been driving the ole girl everywhere I go and can not get over how much nicer the car is. Shifts great, rides great, accelorates like never before and straight as an arrow under a very heavy take off! Wow! Although I have yet to really get into the new M22, I can tell there is a serious improvement with the frame connectors and the traction bars. In addition, the traction bars actually look really cool. Kinda funny how many people notice them. People assume because they are on the car, there must be a "reason". LOL