Strengthening rear frame rails for Airbar-2nd gen

[cpd004]

I'm looking to see what you guys do in order to strengthen the rear frame rails on a 2nd gen (or even 1st gen for that matter) when using a Ridetech suspension. My 4 link is stitch welded to the stock frame rails because the bolts kept coming loose. I have noises and flex back there as the car goes over rougher roads. Mostly creaking and the occasional popping.

I've read that welding the airbar can cause the rails to crack. Mine doesn't look cracked anywhere. The flex and noises are aggravating. I'm guessing the only way to correctly solve this and still keep the Ridetech set up is to have new rails welded in from one of the few companies that offer them.

Otherwise, get rid of what is there and go with a different rear suspension set up that doesn't rely on the rails for full support?

Any thought's and experiences on what works and what doesn't would be greatly appreciated.

[JKnight]

There's some other possible culprits for what you're hearing. Would be worth considering all possibilities before you get too far down the road.

Do the coilovers use spherical bearing mounts or bushings? Are the springs coming loose from the spring pockets during extension? Do the 4 link bars use bearings or bushings? There may be others but those are some I can think of.

Are there any signs that the Ridetech frame is actually moving? I would think since it's partially welded there wouldn't be any movement without the welds being broken.

[cpd004]

I don't see evidence of a weld that has let go or any that the upper support is moving. The set up is pretty new. Everything looks to be in order as far as I can tell. I've been under the car quite a bit. I've had the shocks off and swapped springs at one point. None of this made a change. It creaks going slow into a driveway. The noises seem to come from higher up in the rear and not low where they attach at the axle brackets. Pushing up and down doesn't produce the noise. The noise seems to happen only when the body flexes or the car pushes to the side like when cornering.

[Z06vette]

My frame rails cracked on both sides beyond the ridetech bracket. We added either 1/4 or 3/16 flat stock (i forget which) to the side & top of the frame rails. I have just a few pics of the cracks and plate work. They are too big to post here, but I'll email them to you if you'd like. Scott

[cpd004]

My frame rails cracked on both sides beyond the ridetech bracket. We added either 1/4 or 3/16 flat stock (i forget which) to the side & top of the frame rails. I have just a few pics of the cracks and plate work. They are too big to post here, but I'll email them to you if you'd like. Scott


Thanks....I'll PM you my email address.

Have you put many miles on the car since this has been done? How has it held up and do you get any noticeable flex?