For decades Ridetech has delivered on the best combination of performance and ride quality for classic and late model cars and trucks. In that time span we’ve primarily operated within the limits of factory suspension pickup points on vehicles we support. But what if we took our “Always Innovate” motto to the next level? What if we didn’t have to operate within the confines of another’s creation?
Ridetech has answered those with the release of their first-ever performance subframe for the 1967-1969 F-body and 1968-1974 X-body. We’ve taken notes on the features that builders and customers often look for and have delivered with several key improvements over the original and some existing aftermarket subframes. Read on to see why Ridetech’s latest creation is sure to top F/X-body builder’s wish-list.
Wheel/Tire Clearance: Ever since the pro-touring phenomenon, fitting a large wheel and tire combination on the front of a first gen F-body has been a pain point. The factory subframe rail width limits wheel and tire width selection and often leads to contact and rubbing the subframe on wider setups, negatively impacting turning radius.
Our subframe design incorporates a 2” inch improvement on either side in this key area, reducing the likelihood of contact when paired with the appropriately sized wheel and tire combo. Ridetech engineers found their best combination with a 18×10” wheel and 6.5” backspace.
Suspension Geometry: While suspension geometry improvements can be had with changes to ball joint locations and control arm design, factory subframe design still limits any changes outside of factory pickup points. From the ground up the design of the Ridetech subframe allowed us to control exactly where we wanted those pickup points to be from an enthusiast perspective.
This allowed us to achieve more desirable camber gain, caster, roll center, and Ackermann, translating to improved performance and ride quality.
Attractive one-piece billet aluminum upper control arms and tubular lower control arms attach to high-quality Pro Forged ball joints before affixing to either AFX hub or pin spindles. We also integrated our modular suspension design approach that accommodates both Ridetech coil-overs or Shockwave® air suspension.
Coil-overs or Air: Whether you select a static (coil-over) or dynamic (air suspension) drop, Fox Factory monotube shocks can be had in single, rebound adjustable (HQ) or triple adjustable (TQ) iterations, keeping your front tires glued to the ground whether you’re on the street or the track.
Impact forged aluminum shock bodies provide superior strength while their monotube design offers superior fade free performance. The larger 1.834’’ piston provides outstanding ride quality and 24-positions of adjustability allow you to fine-tune the responsiveness of each front corner.
Steering Improvements: While recirculating ball-style steering systems were sufficient back when these cars were new, manufacturers have long-since updated their offerings to include rack-and-pinion steering. That’s why our subframe design centered around a design that incorporates the commonly available Fox-body style rack from the start.
Depending on how old or worn-out factory-style steering components are, they can provide a disconnected feel or sense of wandering under normal operation. Drivers making the switch to rack-and-pinion steering on their vehicle will immediately notice a much more direct and positive steering feel and response. This directly translates into a more confident driver behind the wheel.
The 1979-1993 Fox Body Mustang rack is sold separately. We carry the short ratio PSC steering rack (PSC Rack Part # RA33500), but you can also purchase standard versions through your preferred auto parts retailers or other performance brands.
Drivetrain Options: We recognize that when shopping for a subframe, you’re making a lasting decision for your vehicle. With that in mind, our new subframe accommodates a host of popular engine and transmission combinations that will satisfy a wide range of builders and customers thanks to an array of engine mount plates and an adjustable universal transmission crossmember.
Engines: Whether you’re looking to install the latest in direct-injection GM LT powerplants, fancy the simplicity and power of the LS family of engines, or want to kick it old-school with a conventional small or big block Chevy, our engine mount plates have you covered.
Transmissions: Our adjustable transmission crossmember will allow the shifting your own gears or let the balls and valves or a computer sort out when to shift. Popular manual transmission like the Tremec T-56/TKX, or classic Muncie and Saginaws are compatible as are popular automatics like the TH350/400/700R4, or 4L60/80E family. This is not an exhaustive list.
Compatibility: Whatever the use case (street cruiser, track bruiser, or showstopper), Ridetech subframes absolutely improve the feel, performance, and ride quality of your F or X-body well beyond the 50+ year old factory components. Our performance subframe is designed with compatibility in mind, meaning our bolt-on F-body 4-link systems, rear axles, subframe connectors, etc. all work in concert with one another to completely transform the capabilities of your ride. Purchase with confidence knowing that it will work with the rest of the first gen F/X-body product lineup.
Brakes: Whether you’re running a stock ‘pin style’ or later model ‘hub’ style variant spindle, Ridetech has you covered in the braking category. Ridetech conveniently offers taller versions of both pin and hub style spindles to accommodate various brake systems. Wilwood and some Baer brakes solutions as a complement to applications we support, so you can successfully shop for your suspension and brake solutions in one place. Aftermarket pin spindle brakes are a great way to improve braking performance.
If you’re all about the latest in available braking technology our AFX hub spindles accommodate C5/C6/C7 Corvette hubs, which allow the installation of factory or aftermarket C5/C6 brake packages.
