No subframe bushings

[BBC71Nova]

Curious if anyone has had luck not running any subframe bushings with an OE subframe? I know of a few Novas with aftermarket frames that had success doing it, e.g. Blake@Speedtech. Having a front mounted rack is lot different than a box.

I was iffy on half-height but was wanting to try it. However, the shop has mocked mine up with no bushings at all. Ride height looks great so I’m kind of digging it. I’m not concerned about the tunnel and header clearance since that’s gotta be redone anyway. Just a bit curious about the steering setup. Obviously anything can be made to work with time and money but... budget haha ☹️

[TheJDMan]

You can run without any bushings and it will look good but be aware that it will throw off all sorts of clearances between the sub and body not the least of which will be transmission tunnel clearance. I'm running 1/2 height bushings and even those created some problems.

[Prestoopnik]

Knew a guy with a '67 Camaro that didn't look low enough for him, so he didn't run bushings. Worked fine but like JD said, it causes a few clearance/misalignment issues, so be prepared to deal with that.

-Rich

[z28cp]

Shouldn't cause any steering issues, as the steering parts are not being moved in relation to the subframe.

[Blake Foster]

Shouldn't cause any steering issues, as the steering parts are not being moved in relation to the subframe.

Yes the steering box will move up in relation to the column when you remove the bushings. and the alignment will be foo about .800. you would have to adjust the column at the firewall and possibly the dash to get them to line up again

[patriot68]

Its a pain in the ass

[z28cp]

I agree the column could be an issue. But the OP mentioned a rack, so I ASSumed he was concerned with tierods and such, not the column. :underchair:

[David Pozzi]

Also fan to shroud clearance will be less at the top. Distributor to firewall will be closer. If you have a flanged bellhousing like Lakewood, the older bellhousings have a wide flange near the throttle arm and it may hit. Air cleaner will be closer to hood. Trans crossmember may hit floor and you will not be able to remove it without separating the sub from unibody.


Steering column will need rework.
Check your clutch shaft if manual clutch.