4wd big block cross member
 

first off i know the thread is worthless without pics but they will be here asap.. my truck is a 4x and when bought (from PO) came with a 396 bbl, i removed it in favor of a brand new 454 i had, when i pulled the motor out i noticed the cross member was cut right down the center and split apart, there is about a 1" gap. i dont know if the frame is bent also as a result of the cut cross member or if the cross member was cut to be made wider.. i dont know. im lookin for any suggestions i need to start TODAY on it. ANY HELP GREATLY GREATLY APPRECIATED thanks

Re: 4wd big block cross member
 

BBC and SBC are the same width, so the BBC can be mounted in the same place as the SBC using the SBC mounts, as for the crossmember being cut, get another one, otherwise the framerails will want to distort with the torq of a BBC.

Re: 4wd big block cross member
 

well i had an idea, hoping this will do which i dont see why not; take the cross member out of the truck, bolt the cross member to the motor while its out and weld it back together while its bolted on the mounts and then put it back in the truck and make the necessary adjustments to the frame if need be (drill new holes, pull the rails back together if bent apart a bit because u cant tell with the naked eye)??
hows that sound because finding another 4 wheel drive cross member would be a b**** unless a 73 and up x is used and by then id just build a tubular one or something of the sort.

Re: 4wd big block cross member
 

If it is just cut with nothing missing it will work, I'd plate it over the butt weld for strength. Post a pict so we can be sure we are offering the best advice.

Re: 4wd big block cross member
 

if it helps there was no 67-72 factory big blocks in 4x4s if you need a new xmeber i know where you can get one or post wtb in the parts board, they are not that hard to find.
good luck.

Re: 4wd big block cross member
 

A benefit of using the 73-up crossmember is better engine mounts and you gain oil pan clearance.

Re: 4wd big block cross member
 

Thought I'd throw up a pic of what the original style 4x4 engine cross member looks like...67-72 type. Maybe that will help someone. Just a pic I had ...don't have one for sale.