Naga1337

Hi,

I'm planning an LQ4/T56 swap, and I'm at the point where I need to determine what crossmember to use. My main conflict is when it comes to exhaust clearance vs. crossmember-mounted torque arm.

I could use the Spohn product, but I've seen how low the exhaust hangs with one of those, and with some of the potholes and speedbumps around where I live, that would be a nightmare for me.

My other option would be the Skulte product. It appears to be pretty similar in setup ("double hump") to the drews crossmember, but it doesn't have a bracket for a crossmember-mounted torque arm, whereas the Spohn product does.

Now here's my question: Is there any major advantage a crossmember-mounted torque arm has over any other kind? I don't think I have the fabrication abilities to add the bracket to the Skulte product, so I don't think I can do that...

Thanks for any help.

TZFBird

You want to run a crossmember mounted torque arm for extra clearance to run either larger exhaust or duals? Are you planning on using another torque arm? Will the factory torque arm work with these aftermarket crossmembers?
My main point being this: in order to use a crossmember mounted torque arm, you will need to change your torque arm as well. You will also need to make things adjustable if you are going to be changing things. An incorrect pinion angle is not fun at all.
Really the only advantage is the added clearance, might be a bit stronger, allows you to run a transmission without the torque arm bracket tail housing, and finally changes the location of the mount for the front of the torque arm which has different locations for different performance types. i.e. shorter arm for incrased traction, etc.

2fast4u92z

Short and long are the same. However a short can alow for more negative angle. A short will help with a quick load on the tries as the IC can be moved farther back. However with LCA and relocation brackets it is adjustable to be the same as a long! So bang for your buck= short. IMHO at least get the T/A of the tran case.

In short what horsepower,Is it lowerd,wheel size are the questions to ask. As it all has to do with IC but as the LCA can change angle(with Relocation brackets) this will change the angles quick. the LCA should be about horizontal to the ground at ride height.

funina91ss

Going with the crossmember mounted tq arm you won't have to worry about breaking a trans mount bushing either. I have the sphon one on my car with LCA RB, LCA, PHB

krisb410

iTrader: (9)

Here's a few things to think about

1. Removes torque arm from transmission tail shaft protecting transmission
from damage
2. Reduces front end nose dive during braking
3. Allows for on-car pinion angle adjustments
4. Polyurethane bushings
5. Front mounting point most likely utilizes a grease-able pivot point with instant center adjustment

Naga1337

Thanks, everyone!

My main issue is still exhaust ground clearance. If I use the Spohn product from Hawks, I've always heard ground clearance with exhaust is REALLY tight. But with the Skulte crossmember, it's supposedly better, but the Skulte crossmember doesn't have a bracket for the torque arm. What would it take to add one to it?

Thanks.

EDIT: as for 2fast4u92z, it isn't lowered, and I hope to have 300-400hp after the LSx swap. This car will be driven on the street, so it has to be street friendly. Thanks for any help.

2fast4u92z

With that power A single 3" it more than needed! I wouldn't buy spohn ever. But if you do just mod it like so many ppl on here do! I have posted alot of this but I love BMR

Naga1337

Hi,

I was looking at the BMR product, and it looks like it would still get in the way of the exhaust system. Do you speak from personal experience that it won't?

Again, thanks for all the help.

krisb410

iTrader: (9)

I have the UMI tunnel mounted Tq arm
http://www.umiperformance.com/2216?category_id=114

2fast4u92z

I have every product BMR sells on my 4th gen. Great stuff. But I do not have the remote mount T/A yet!

QuickStyle

what mod are you referring to?

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

with true duals i'd run the jegster brand torque arm by jegs. it's a proven system and it's on my car. Buy the adjustable one and install it and you're set.

2fast4u92z

In the fab. forum there are a few post of people cutting the bottom steel off the tran bracket and welding extra steal on the top on the brace. This way you get the MAX room for duals.

There is also a post of having to mod the rear stock tunnel brace. Due to the rear brace & bolts that mount to the rear end would hit the stock tunnel brace near the drivers side seat. So hard one TGO member had to cut out some materal and weld in a hump! I can't remember what rear end he had or if it was lowered. However if I spend $2300 on a rear end,$400+ on T/A and it punches a hole in the foor of my car I would go postal.

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

just hammer it a bit and you're fine. you can't expect a beefy torque arm mount and torque arm to be the exact dimensions of the stock flimsy crap....

J's T/A

iTrader: (2)

Another vote for the jegs arm.. I am very happy with the clearance and performance, plus moving the darn thing off the tranny and xmember.