"What was needed was a way to gain additional support to the rails and a means to transfer those loads to the main subframe system. So we devised a small group of parts that when installed acts as a lower chassis rail in a full tube-frame car. This was accomplished by taking our lower chassis brace, which attaches to the K-member, and connecting it to the subframe system with a series of adjustable bars we call the Spider Brace. With these parts, front-end rigidity is dramatically improved."
Knowing that an experience engineer and Mustang enthusiast developed these innovative products would be enough for some. But what's more than that is the attention to detail that was taken when developing the parts. For instance, weld locations are protected from the powdercoating process by pieces of easy-peel plastic so you don't have to grind on your new parts to install them properly. Also, the web brace comes with slip-to-fit ends. This eliminates hammering the components into place, providing easier installation and a better fit.
We requested a pair of the subframe connectors for our SSP coupe, but Figg sent an entire system. Instead of installing it on our daily driver that only sees track time for component testing, we're going to save it for a more hardcore build in the near future. However, we did install the subframe connectors, since the old coupe needed them.
Follow along as we introduce to you the entire Stiffler's kit for a Fox-body and install the subframe connectors on our SSP.
4 The lower chassis brace...
4 The lower chassis brace bolts to the stock K-member and is used to tie the Spider Brace to the framerails.
5 The transmission crossmember...
5 The transmission crossmember is made of lightweight tubing, and includes strong polyurethane bushings and all the mounting hardware necessary.
6 The Spider Brace bars are...
6 The Spider Brace bars are threaded, and include all the necessary mounting hardware. Like all Stiffler’s components, they are also powdercoated in satin black.
7 The web brace ($215) comes...
7 The web brace ($215) comes with adjustable ends for easy installation. Stiffler’s even left the areas to be welded uncoated to make installation a breeze. Required for web brace installation are the subframe connectors ($159) and stiffening rails ($70).
8 Stiffler’s also covered...
8 Stiffler’s also covered areas on the subframe connectors to be welded with contact paper before powdercoating. All you have to do is peel the plastic pieces and weld the pieces right in. You can paint the exposed area once you’ve completed the installation.
9 Another component Stiffler’s...
9 Another component Stiffler’s offers is the driveshaft loop ($78). It will either bolt to your existing stock transmission crossmember or the Stiffler’s tubular crossmember.
10 After installing the subframe...
10 After installing the subframe connectors, the web brace is tacked in.
11 Finished product on the...
11 Finished product on the outside...
12 This is what the FIT system...
12 This is what the FIT system ($420) looks like completely installed on an SN-95. It consists of the subframe connectors, stiffening rails, and web brace.