Hi all,

I have a 66 Malibu (not SS) that I will be putting a 12 bolt rear end into w/ either the GW or Hotchkis suspension. I have been looking into a pair of SS frame braces (the ones that connect the upper & lower control arms). My question is whether or not these braces will work with the aftermarket arms and are they needed? If they will work do you think I would feel the difference in the ride using them? I understand GM used the braces more for support for the bigger HP cars than for handling.

Thanks for your help!

George
george@spattaweb.com
TC #1921
ACES #5880

I tend to doubt you'll feel a differance with them. They couldn't hurt, though. Never a bad thing to add a little more rigidity to the frame.

They should work fine with aftermarket arms. When you see how they mount, they don't interact with the arms at all.

Tim.

I'll agree with Tim,

You will probably NOT "feel" the difference.

I understand GM used the braces more for support for the bigger HP cars than for handling.Not sure of GMs original intent, as I have heard it mentioned that these were also used on some small-block 4-speeds cars and maybe later F41 HD suspension car (handling package?), as well as the big blocks (only place I have seen them).

I think these are a very wise investment for any high performance A-body.

The angle of the upper arms places alot of stress on the upper crossmember (especially with boxed/ridgid upper arms and poly bushings). These "braces" allow some of the stresses to be transfered down to the main frame member...

I would look into aftermarket arms such as the Edelbrock or Hotchkis. Both work the same and will be stronger than the stock/repro arms. The Edelbrock look like they will have more clearance (Muffler area).

These do mount off the same bolts as the upper arms, but are placed on the otherside of the frame, so no interference with control arms...