final pix of subframe connectors

thanks for the kudos.

i have been thinking the parking brake cable issue thru for some time, i think the way i routed it is actually the best way to run it, no issues with the subframe connectors doing it this way, and it will clear everything else that needs to be near it. once i install front torque plates i wouldent be able to get to the cable anyways if i routed it outside the framerail.

i have a hole i have to patch in the crossmember, as i tried initially to route the cable outside the framerail, and have it come out above the subframe connector. You can see a little bit of the hole above the fishplate. routing it that way it would have still rubbed the subframe connector. i decided to give this project a break, and keep reworking it in my head, what i came up with was cutting off the first fishplate which i put a hole in the top of it for the cable , and fabricating a new one with a bump out for the cable and running it inside the frame. im glad i did it this way.

yes im welding it up completely, no bolting. i used the #40 wingnut clecos to maintain position on the drivers side rail so i could drill the rear hole for the cable. there were 2 reasons for this.

the front and rear holes in the crossmember that i cut, and then rotary filed slightly larger than 3/4" diameter, and the hole in the bump out on the fishplate is 1/2" diameter for the cable end and clip. by using the clecos and drilling thru the fishplate and crossember in this one spot, i know the holes are centered with 3/4" and the 1/2" right on top of it. and then the clecos will help hold it in that exact position to weld it in later, then i will just weld over the 2 small holes, and grind em down flat.

the 1/8" thick fishplates are there to spread the load. the stock crossmember is only 3/16" thick, and butting the 1/8" thick tubing directly to it would eventually cause cracks from stress. by welding the 1/8" tubing to the 1/8" plates it helps to transition the stress load to the thinner stock crossmember.

i am using a lincoln weldpak 100 wire feed flux core welder. i need to get a MIG attachment for it, way cleaner welds, but a wire wheel cleans em up ok.