WOW! This is a Great improvement in handling, shake, rattles and noise.
I have Mike's STEEL radiator support, also.
I got a Frame Stiffener from Mike in AZ and Jeff, Jeffanatic and I installed it in about hour and half, because we didn’t know what we were doing. We used ramps which is not the best way. Use a lift, if you can, much easier and faster.
Everything comes with the kit. Powder coated, light, don’t think it weights much more than the X engine support we removed.
SO, if you want better handling, less vibrations, less noise and squeaks, this is the way to go.
I hope Mike is going to send some supports to me for our Florida Chapter.
(Have three (3) requests so far.)
As everyone knows, my engine is covered with Gary's, Vetteman62, Stainless covers. Now, to cover the bottom of the engine, concerned me about heat.
DIDN'T change a bit. Still runs at 205, no matter what and our temp is 90 every day.
Dicktator
Pictures
1. Kit
2. GM X Brace
3. Front mount of stiffener
4. Bottom with air escape
5. Rear shot
My SSR: 04 Redline w/Lambo Doors ++, and 2005 Bk 6-Speed
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dicktator
WOW! This is a Great improvement in handling, shake, rattles and noise.
I have Mike's STEEL radiator support, also.
I got a Frame Stiffener from Mike in AZ and Jeff, Jeffanatic and I installed it in about hour and half, because we didn’t know what we were doing. We used ramps which is not the best way. Use a lift, if you can, much easier and faster.
Everything comes with the kit. Powder coated, light, don’t think it weights much more than the X engine support we removed.
SO, if you want better handling, less vibrations, less noise and squeaks, this is the way to go.
I hope Mike is going to send some supports to me for our Florida Chapter.
(Have three (3) requests so far.)add 2 more (for me)
As everyone knows, my engine is covered with Gary's, Vetteman62, Stainless covers. Now, to cover the bottom of the engine, concerned me about heat.
DIDN'T change a bit. Still runs at 205, no matter what and our temp is 90 every day.
Dicktator
Pictures
1. Kit
2. GM X Brace
3. Front mount of stiffener
4. Bottom with air escape
5. Rear shot
Dick please add two more for me - this is a great add - thanks Mike
These two mods could well be the best yet. The handling improvements are remarkable. There is much less body flex, steering through turns is considerably improved, you might mistake it for a sports car in the corners. Road imperfections don't transmit to the vehicle as much. Everything feels much tighter and responsive. These modifications are must have's to really enjoy the R's driving experience.
WOW! This is a Great improvement in handling, shake, rattles and noise.
I have Mike's STEEL radiator support, also.
I got a Frame Stiffener from Mike in AZ and Jeff, Jeffanatic and I installed it in about hour and half, because we didn’t know what we were doing. We used ramps which is not the best way. Use a lift, if you can, much easier and faster.
Everything comes with the kit. Powder coated, light, don’t think it weights much more than the X engine support we removed.
SO, if you want better handling, less vibrations, less noise and squeaks, this is the way to go.
I hope Mike is going to send some supports to me for our Florida Chapter.
(Have three (3) requests so far.)
As everyone knows, my engine is covered with Gary's, Vetteman62, Stainless covers. Now, to cover the bottom of the engine, concerned me about heat.
DIDN'T change a bit. Still runs at 205, no matter what and our temp is 90 every day.
Dicktator
Pictures
1. Kit
2. GM X Brace
3. Front mount of stiffener
4. Bottom with air escape
5. Rear shot
Did you have to have the front end alined after installing this kit? Did you remove the GM X brace to install this kit? Have you also done the Trailblazer cross member? Are you ever going to be back in Georgia or North Carolina doing this stuff? Can this be done by my local Chevy dealer? Thanks for the info. I really have a lot of rattle in my doors with the windows down and the top down. Will this help that as well?
My SSR: R&R-#18510 Adopted 4/18/09 Mikes Tips, Muth mirrors, Sirius, S44, V-LEDS, GTO Spoiler, LED WindJam'r
Quote:
Originally Posted by YellowDZH
Thanks for posting. Where did you get it?? I need one.
Mike must have just added these to the Simple Engineering products for SSRs. $195 gets it - hummm does this come before the spare tire kit, or main fan, or auxillary fan, or........
__________________
Only a few of us are lucky enough
to have a BLUR under their saddle!
I too have the frame stiffener from Mike in AZ. That and the LC32 Frame Crossmember from 2005SSR6Speed combine together is the way to go.
Be sure to take a look at the threads by 2005SSR6Speed related to his LC32 Frame Crossmember kit.
Allow me to add my 2 cents. Mike's plate is without a doubt the best modification I have made to my truck. Those of you that have felt the difference a strut brace makes on a high performance vehicle will understand what we are talking about. There are sections of road that I must travel where I use to wince because it felt like the truck was going to shake itself to bits. The amount of cowl shake was quite unnerving. I had hoped for some improvement, but I have to tell you that the plate makes a bigger difference than I expected. Truly, dollar for dollar money well spent. Thanks Mike...
Did you have to have the front end alined after installing this kit? Did you remove the GM X brace to install this kit? Have you also done the Trailblazer cross member? Are you ever going to be back in Georgia or North Carolina doing this stuff? Can this be done by my local Chevy dealer? Thanks for the info. I really have a lot of rattle in my doors with the windows down and the top down. Will this help that as well?
YES, YES AND YES! You remove the X brace and install in same holes plus two others.
Yes, I have the cross member brace, highly recommend.
Yes, I am going to be back in Georgia for another Tech Day. Contact Marti and see if he will do another Tech Day.
Yes, it can be done by local Dealer but they probably won't do it.
Takes rattles and squeaks out for sure.
I put on the Stiffener, had new tires put on and am scheduled for alignment next week.
Picture
1. Note the four (4) bolts that secure the rear of the plate.
2. Removing X Brace
3. Marking holes to be drilled in front
4. Drilling holes
5. Sliding 1" square piece behind to bolt front of Stiffener.
Dicktator
OH, Mike called and said I didn't need the back deflector, see I told you we didn't know what we were doing.
Looks like Mike in AZ has made a revision to this plate. Yours has access holes for the suspension bolts located just above the plate. My plate does not have those additional holes. I'm glad to see Mike keeps improving his products!
__________________
04 Chevy SSR | 12 Dodge Charger SRT8 | 04 Ford Thunderbird PCR #428 | 06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
My SSR: 05, Silver Auto, Line-X Bed, X-Member and Plate
I posted my speed times of this improvement and can say is was a great fix. Also, I used a local shop with the truck on a hoist. It was very easy but the new crossmember needed slight mod to fit the frame bolt holes. Other than that its a winner.
I too have the frame stiffener from Mike in AZ. That and the LC32 Frame Crossmember from 2005SSR6Speed combine together is the way to go.
Be sure to take a look at the threads by 2005SSR6Speed related to his LC32 Frame Crossmember kit.
OK.....I was starting to understand this modification......but now I'm confused by this post.
What does this mean to an amateur, at home, wanna be mechanic ????
And to ask this question again.......do you need an alignment after installation ??? I don't need new tires.
The LC32 is a Cross Member for the frame. Located on your frame below the seats. GM only put on single bar. This is to REALLY stabilize the rear of the frame.
The Frame Stiffener from Mike in AZ is to replace the Frame X Brace located under your engine.
The combination of both is BEST case for handling, squeaks, rattles, etc.
And NO, there is NO need to go for a alignment after install.
I am going because I have not had it aligned for 33K miles, new Frame Stiffener and New Tires, I thought it would be good idea.
The LC32 is a Cross Member for the frame. Located on your frame below the seats. GM only put on single bar. This is to REALLY stabilize the rear of the frame.
Dicktator
Wrong
It located under your engine slightly behind the X plate. It replaces the factory cross plate currently under your oil pan.
I've been following this thread, along with the others that are encouraging both mods. I still haven't figured out if one or the other are the most beneficial or, why both should be done. Call me somewhat dense (I do so myself) but can I get some clear definition to these. I'm inclined to go with Mike's first (it's most affordable) then, add the cross member later if no substantial difference appears.
One last thought, how does the TB cross member weigh up against either or both of these mods and if the TB cross member is present, does that have any impact/influence?
The LC32 is a Cross Member for the frame. Located on your frame below the seats. GM only put on single bar. This is to REALLY stabilize the rear of the frame.
The Frame Stiffener from Mike in AZ is to replace the Frame X Brace located under your engine.
The combination of both is BEST case for handling, squeaks, rattles, etc.
And NO, there is NO need to go for a alignment after install.
I am going because I have not had it aligned for 33K miles, new Frame Stiffener and New Tires, I thought it would be good idea.
Dicktator
Sorry Dick........ I guess I should have sent you one of Joe's crossmembers as well as a stiffening plate.....
The LC32 crossmember would end up UNDER the back of the stiffening plate. It replaces the stamped steel OEM crossmember that is under the bellhousing.
The four bolt Trailbazer crossmember goes across under the gas tank.
Here's a couple pictures.......... The first one is the removed crossmember and X brace.
Regards,
Mike
__________________ Trust and Generosity are contagious.
I've been following this thread, along with the others that are encouraging both mods. I still haven't figured out if one or the other are the most beneficial or, why both should be done. Call me somewhat dense (I do so myself) but can I get some clear definition to these. I'm inclined to go with Mike's first (it's most affordable) then, add the cross member later if no substantial difference appears.
One last thought, how does the TB cross member weigh up against either or both of these mods and if the TB cross member is present, does that have any impact/influence?
Very GOOD questions. Not sure I can answer them from the manufactures point but, from a driving point, BIG DIFFERENCE.
I like and only have the radiator support and the frame stiffener from Mike in AZ. Personally I don't think I NEED the LC32 cross member, that said, I know that Mike in AZ said that adding both, changes the handling by 100%.
And only adding the frame stiffener improves your handling by 60%.
Based on that, is how I would suggest you decide. I don't race, don't have hills, don't have many cures, as a matter fact, Florida is pretty flat. So, although I may add the LC32 brace latter, I am not leaning that way at present.
I did the TBSS crossmember years ago but still suffered with the cowl shake, but it was better. In my opinion, the new frame crossmember takes out the shake,even when topless. Mike's stiffner attends to the wheel hop and frontend plowing in turns. All are must haves in my book. I followed Mike's suggestion and aligned the frontend. Seems a cheap protection given the price of new tires.
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Mike
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