Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Upgraded Backing Plates

I admit I have been slow to get detailed instructions on the installation of the plates, but here goes:

1)Unbolt the stock bracket form the subframe and pull down on the sway bar(if you already have the Aussiebar installed, just pull it down as far as you can, there is no need to remove it from the vehicle).
2)Bolt the new plate to the stock backing plate (using the existing bolt and hole)with the holes closest to the edges facing forward in the vehicle. The plate with bevelled edges should go on the drivers side to clear the gas tank. (This aligns the backing plate to the subframe)
3)Weld the plate to the subframe and the stock backing plate. You should be able to weld 3 edges, the forward edge is in "space" so you cannot weld it to anything.
4)Remove the bolt and grind down and high spots from welding.
5) You now have to drill through the pre-existing hole in the upgraded backing plate and thus through the old stock backing plate to allow you to use a bolt in the front hole. (Make sure you don't drill into you gas line on the passenger side mount!). Paint the backing plate and welds with a good rust proof paint.
6)Drop a suitably sized bolt with a washer down through the front hole so it is hanging down.
7)Reinstall the Aussie bar with the poly bushing AND the upgraded Prothane BRACKET onto the welded-in backing plate. screw the stock bolt in the back and use a nut on the front hanging bolt. (Make sure the Aussiebar isn't sitting too far back and is hitting the subframe).
You're done!

I'll try and get pics of an installed backing plate from my car, although it's hard without a hoist.