Cradle spacer install w/ pictures

gtpthriller04 · Feb 7, 2008

Installing the ZZP cradle spacers was a lot easier than i had thought it would be. When i first got them i was asking around for someone to post some pictures so i could get an idea where to start. I finally got brave and when under the car and found the 4 cradle spacers. its very simple-

1. Put the car on ramps or jack it up high enough to roll under neith it
2. make sure you have a jack stand or even your car jack that comes in the car to support the front brace of the cradle.
3.The two 18mm bolts are the ones with the big black rings that look like washers on them.
4. Using a 18mm socket with either a breaker bar (what i used) or an air gun loosen the two bolts. Your going to need to leave some space inbetween the brace and the jack stand so the cradle can fall down enough to slip the 1/4 in plates into place. The car jack worked out well because if i needed more space i just lowered the cradle at a controlled rate
5. Now that you have the cradle down low enough, place the spacers inbetween the cradle bushing and the body (like in the pictures) then slip the bolt back inplace
6. crank the jack back up to get the bolt back into the hole on the frame and re -tighen each side.

MOVE TO THE BACK
7. Now the back is the same process, but the only thing i would make sure you do is support the cradle in the u bend part of the cradle right behind the trans pan. this point on the cradle is the middle and it doesnt distribute the weight funny.
8. i noticed when i was trying to put in the spacers they would only go in from one side. i hade to put them over the fuel lines and then they slipped right into place.
9. retighten everything and your done.

i hope this helps others. if anyone else wants to add to this or has any tips feel free to post anything and everything.

thanks and good luck
Charles

_____________________________

-MODS-
3.25-3.0 MPS,CAI,ZZP statge 2 intercooler, Lucas 42.5 injectors, SLP headers w/hi flow cat, DHP pcm, Mini AFC 2.0, Northstar TB, Taylor wires,Autolite 103's, 180 tstat drilled, Auto Tap scanner

Dont Be Caught Sleepn

1Hot97 · Feb 7, 2008

what is the purpose of these spacers?

chrisb · Feb 7, 2008

the purpose of them is to lower the engine and tranny by a small amout to give you more hood clearence.. like for a intercooler

Louvered97GTP · Feb 7, 2008

So I assume there's no significant effect on alignment and wheel to fender gap since lower arms are bolted to cradle and are being lowered in essence?

BillBoost37 · Feb 7, 2008

There would have to be a slight change to the alignment of the tires. Afterall the strut to tire is one of the adjusting points and is now changed.

91parkave · Feb 7, 2008

The spacers have been available from ZZP for a quite some time now heres the direct info from zzp's website though

ZZperformance said:
Aluminum cradle spacers drop the engine and transmission 5/16". This gives more hood clearance for intercooler or custom power adder installations.

FAQ

Do these affect alignment?
Yes, but not enough to matter. Lowering springs change ride height by over an inch with minimal issues. 5/16" will not be noticeable.

Can I double stack them?
No. The stock cradle bolts are not long enough.

Are these hard to install?
No. Install time varies but usually takes about 30 minutes with airtools. The best method is to raise the car with a jack and to 2 of them at a time. Leave the opposite 2 in. When you take the bolts out of two locations the cradle will drop down enough to slide these in place.

Are these needed for every intercooler install?
No, The stock hood on a 97-2003 Grand Prix has enough clearance for our 2.25" stage 2 intercooler. Some cars with custom hoods, taller intercoolers, 2004+ GTPs, or other custom applications may want these for added clearance.

Louvered97GTP · Feb 7, 2008

Thanks, I was looking for the info on their site but couldn't find it. I may have browsed over it too quickly.

Cradle spacer install w/ pictures

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