FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

I know that it is probably a stupid question but just how important is the crossmember outrigger to the performace/safety to an fc with less than 200 hp. Given the 4 point crossmember support and the flimsy nature of the outrigger support bracket and rubber mount I would have thought that you could probably throw that outrigger in the bin and you would not notice any difference, I know it is there for a reason but what exactly is going to happen without it?

Without the outrigger, the crossmember will flex back and forth on the mounts altering your steering geometry. This will result in unacceptable tyre wear and unbalanced braking over rough surfaces.

Garry stop and think what happens when you apply the brakes doing 60MPH and the loads that are applied to the crossmember ..... still think GMH engineers put it there for nothing  :o........FC427......

I was just  thinking that if you consider the outrigger mount, it is rubber, it only cushions up and down movement, it does not limit an forward or rearward movement, the frame the mount is attached to is not very solid (how many fc's are driving around with this frame if not full of rust at least partially), also the rivet type attachment to the crossmember. I know it serves a purpose, and I wouldn't drive around without one. I have just bought a fc ute that has a hr front end with hr outrigger and  it has a plate bolted to the frame to extend far enough forward to accept the single rubber mount on the outrigger. Because the out rigger is a fair bit lower than the plate there are double rubber mounts about 70mm. The ute has a 202 and is an older conversion ( Im hearing 20 years) now imagine the extra flex and strain put on the frame to carry the weight that far forward and the extra leverage applied. I cant find any damage or wear in this area, which is what prompted my question. Like I said I wouldnt drive without one, just asking the question. Thanks Gary C