How would I go about Z'ing a frame

[jonnycola]

Once I get a project, I want to lower it to the point where the back wheels almost come up over the top of the trunk (model a) What exactly is done when someone z's a frame, and what changes do you have to make to everything else.

[Fat Hack]

"Z-ing" a frame is the process of 'stepping' the front or rear portion of the frame so that the suspension mounting areas are moved up from the stock location, which lowers the vehicle relative to frame rail height. Instead of having frame rails that run straight back horizontally, they now step up in front and/or in back to place the suspension components higher than before.

Body modifications may need to be done in the rear to get the stepped rails to fit correctly, and you may also elect to channel the body over the non-stepped portion of the rails for a REALLY low ride...up to you.

Be sure that you know what you are trying to acheive before you start cutting away on your frame, and do several mock-ups along the way to cheack your work against the look you're after.

You could write a book on the subject, but I hope I've given you at least a very BASIC grasp of the concept. Be sure that your welding skills and equipment are up to snuff...or you'll be sorry!!!

[scotth]

Essentially, you're mimicking how a later-model factory frame bends up and over the axle, so you'll cut the stocker, raise the front/rear cut portion of the frame where you want it, then span the gap with another piece of frame.

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forgive the bad ascii art

[SomethinWicked]

Hi everyone,

I'm curious as to what type of modification need to be made to the transmission when you Z a frame. It seems to me that a the lower portion of the frame will get in the way of a lot of stuff. Am I wrong?

What's the purpose of Z'ing the rear end of a car, and not the front?

Also, when it comes to lowering a car, what are the pros and cons to Z'ing a frame instead of channeling the body? At 6'3" tall, head and leg room are at a premium to me.

Thanks a lot!

Chris

[jonnycola]

thanks alot guys, that makes sence, and seems like a more traditional way to go. Chris brings up a good point, do you have to elliminate all of your trunk area to accomidate for the extra frame? Also, is it better to Z the frame, or run leaf springs with the axles mounted on top.....can you lower it as far as I wanna go with leaf springs?

[Tim]

HUGE post with picture in the tech-o-matic!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[jonnycola]

didnt think to look there



clears it all up for me. Dosent seem too hard if I put some thought and planning into it. Thanks guys