subframe ideas

[nytro addict]

I think with all these bent subframe's someone out there needs to start making an aftermarket subframe. Something that is strong that can take a small hit. I wonder what all these snowcross racers use? Can't tell me they have a bin in back of there trail full of subframes. Just a rant of an idea. Let's here some ideas on you thoughts.

 

[shadow44]

Someone on here posted up the name of a company making a titanium subframe...and a-arms...looked factory but probably big $$

 

[Mountaintech]

Someone on here posted up the name of a company making a titanium subframe...and a-arms...looked factory but probably big $$

Chromoly.....around $1700.

 

[shadow44]

that's it...not ti..chromoly...what company?

 

[Mountaintech]

Diamond S

 

[Funkco]

All this talk about bent subframes makes me think I should reinforce mine for a summer project. I haven't bent one or seen a bent one yet, can somebody post pics of exactly where the problem area is? It would be pretty cheap and easy to make some laser cut gussets and tig weld them over the summer.

 

[Grimm]

I think the most susceptible area and most likely to bend first/worst, is the rear mount bracket for the lower A arms. It basically is welded on to the bottom of the subframe, kind of like it's free standing and not very sturdy. This was the area where it was twisted the worst and had elongated bolt holes from a 5mph impact on one ski.

In the pic below is the extra gusset I had my Uncle weld onto the subframe to strengthen this bracket after it was all straightened out. I'm sure there are other areas where you could add extra strength to it as well, but I want to wait until the end of the season to see how the subframe and A arms hold up this year...so far, so good, everything is still in alignment.

 

[bjowett]

Wow! I knew things were not right but dang... that rear mount is just silly.

 

[Mountaintech]

Great info Grimm. Thanks for the pic.

 

[nytro addict]

Great info Grimm. Thanks for the pic.

X2

 

[grizztracks]

Grimm, was that an 08 or 09 frame, I will be pulling my bent 09 frame this spring for replacement or possibly repairs. I looked at the 2010 Nytro's sub frame at a demo ride and it doesn't look any stronger than the 09's so I may straighten the 09 and do my own reinforcing. The bottom reinforcement plate is bent so I think more than just the lower a-arm mounts need better reinforcement.

I'd like to know a little more about what was done to improve the 2010 frame before buying one.

 

[Grimm]

That's my 09 frame, the bottom reinforcement plate was crinkled too, ended up hammering it flat.

A couple of more pics on the repair:

 

[skoalring11]

I wish an aftermarket company would just produce a sub frame replacement that would be bulletproof.

 

[yamahahaha]

is the subframe suposed to b weak...? if the sub frame were not to bend would the impact/w,e go to the main frame ???

 

[Mountaintech]

is the subframe suposed to b weak...? if the sub frame were not to bend would the impact/w,e go to the main frame ???

That is a good thought. Something has to give along the way in a manner that doesn't do major damage. A arm suspensions exert alot of leverage on front end components. Remember the old trailing arm front ends. The trailing arms were engineered to buckle so the rear attachment point did not "see" the impact. Guys who reinforced the trailing arms learned the hard way. I guess the issue here is that the weak point (a arm mounting points on the subframe) is giving way on very low impacts. If these mounting points are strengthened what is the next weakest place? Are the a arms to strong right now? All questions for an engineer I suppose.