Chassis, Roll Cages, Frame Rail, Subframe & Front Suspension Kits

What Car Chassis Parts Are in This Category

This category covers seven types of car chassis parts, and each one handles a specific job in your frame or unibody structure. You'll find a mix of bolt-on and weld-in parts for street cars, restorations and race builds. Here's what each subcategory holds:

• Subframe connectors that tie the front and rear subframes together to reduce flex
• Front subframes that carry the engine, transmission and front suspension
• Crossmembers that support the transmission or engine in stock, universal and swap setups
• Frame rail repair parts that replace rusted or damaged sections of the rails
• Body mounts and bushings that locate and cushion the body on the frame
• Chassis components that cover brackets and hardware for chassis fabrication
• Weld fittings and tabs that include -6AN, -10AN and 1/8 in. NPT fittings in aluminum or steel

Stock levels change often, but many of these parts ship today. Check each subcategory for current options that fit your vehicle.

Subframe Connectors vs. Front Subframes

Subframe connectors stiffen a unibody car by linking its front and rear subframes. A front subframe is the structure that holds your engine, transmission and front suspension. They solve different problems, so many builds end up using both.

Connectors reduce chassis flex, which matters most on convertibles and on cars putting more power to the ground. When the body twists less under load, your suspension can do its job and your alignment stays more consistent. Competition Engineering, known as "The Chassis People," offers connectors for applications such as the 1962-67 Nova II.

A front subframe is a bigger job. You'll usually replace one when the original is rusted or bent, or when you're changing the engine or front suspension layout. For classic and muscle cars, Heidts builds suspension systems, control arms and chassis components. Match the subframe to your year, make and model before you order.

Roll Cage Kits: Chromoly vs. Mild Steel

Choose chromoly when weight matters most, and choose mild steel when cost and easy welding matter more. Mild steel is roughly 35% heavier than chromoly. It's also cheaper and easier to weld, which makes it a practical pick for budget builds and first-time fabricators.

Chromoly makes sense on a drag car where every pound affects your elapsed time. Before you pick a material, check your class rules. Roll cage requirements vary by sanctioning body, so read the current rulebook before you order a kit or tubing.

Alston Race Cars offers NHRA-legal roll bars and roll cages made for specific makes and models. The brand also builds front snouts and chassis kits. For cage-equipped cars that need ballast, JEGS parts include clamp-on ballast brackets for 1 in. and 1-5/8 in. round tube. Confirm your tube diameter first so the brackets fit your cage.

Crossmembers, Frame Rails and Body Mounts for Restorations and Swaps

Crossmembers, frame rails and body mounts are the parts you'll handle most on a restoration or a drivetrain swap. Each one affects how your engine, transmission and body sit on the frame.

A new transmission often needs a new crossmember. Trans Dapt specializes in engine and transmission mounting parts. Its lineup includes crossmembers for the 1982-93 S10 pickup, universal designs and fitments for 700R4, 4L60E and T56 transmissions. It also offers a crossmember with motor mounts for the 1987-95 Jeep YJ Wrangler.

For suspension-side swaps, AJE Suspension makes K-members, control arms and crossmembers. On restorations, frame rail repair parts fix rusted sections without replacing the whole rail. One example is a rear frame rail patch for the 1964-70 Mustang. Fresh body mount bushings finish the job by seating the body correctly on a repaired full-frame car. Replace worn mounts while the body is off.

How to Choose Chassis Parts for Your Build

Start with three questions: what fits your vehicle, how you'll install it and what your class rules require. Answering them first keeps you from ordering parts you can't use.

Bolt-on parts install without welding and can come off later. Weld-in parts become a permanent part of the structure, so you'll need welding equipment and the skills to use it. Use the Year/Make/Model fitment selector, then filter by Part Type, Brand, Product Line, Material, Position, Finish, Outside Diameter and Body Type. The Material and Outside Diameter filters help when you're matching tubing or brackets to an existing cage.

If you race, confirm your sanctioning body's rules before buying cage or chassis parts. Chassis work often leads to rear suspension changes, so read our 4-link suspension setup guide or learn how to install traction bars. For steering and suspension upgrades, browse all chassis, steering and suspension parts.