Xmember Fab Question
 

Hey Everyone,

Man, there is ton of great info on this site:metal: I have question about my front-end. I already switched out my power-steering and disk brakes with a 72 and it is working ok. But I am bagging my ride to lay frame and I wanted to know if any of you guys fabricated your xmember and lifted it so it would go lower?

I have a 65 long bed.

Thanks. ;)

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Check out the suspension forum on here. Porterbuilt makes a real nice dropmember.

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

But that would take all the fun out of cutting up a good crossmember.:lol: I have an extra one just sitting out there waiting.:no:

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Me too ...and a dropmember ;)

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

I'd go work on it today but I don't have a way to cut it. It seems like a grinder would'nt work very good. I might take it down to the local blacksmith and see what he'd charge. What a new drop member cost?

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

a grinder and a thin cut off wheel should work well.....
never-mind I see the issue now....a torch or a plasma would be the best way to cut it

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Plasma would be ideal, but it could be done with a 4.5" cut-off wheel and sawzall.

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

:agree:

the sawzall is your friend :lol:

I also have a pneumatic 90* die grinder with a cut off wheel attachment, the wheels are 2 or 3 inches in diameter and will get in tighter spots than the 4.5" grinder. there is always more than one way to do it:devil:

As Frizzle says..."It is only metal"

bend it to your will, young Jedi:uhm:
if only we had light sabers, it would "cut" down on fab time:uhmk:

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Any idea what Portbuilt charges for a drop?

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

think the front drop-member is $1000-$1200

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Do you need that to lay frame?

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Um.. I like the opposite sex better than frame, but it is just me. :lol:

Sorry, couldn't resist.

I don't THINK, you could modify the factory frame enough to lay the frame on the ground, but I could be wrong.

I was wrong before, but it was in a land far, far away.

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

I must be getting old because i seem to care more about laying frame then getting layed. I still need to know if I need a drop to lay frame.ya ya lay frame ya.:metal:

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

you could either get the PB crossmember, or the ***************** Crossmember. I personally have the SD crossmember and I like it better then the PB, because it use's less welded peices together. But they are build the same. Check out the SD one on their webiste. Both are priced $1200. I know the SD one also comes with shocks, mounts, engine mount, trans crossmember, heim joints for steering, rack notch. It's a really good kit.

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Sweet. Now all I need is a extra $1200.:lol: I'll check out the site. :exit:

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Damn, I could really get in trouble there. Where's my wifes credit card anyways.:lol: Thanks for the info.

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

You can lay frame with a chopped xmember too. And/or Z'ed frame. All depends on how tall your tires will be. You just don't get r/p steering. Also, the PB dropmember comes with all the parts mentioned. Except I don't think either comes with shocks.

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

FRENCHBLUE72 had his work sectioning a crossmember on his build thread. I think you can get pretty damn close to laying frame on a stocker if you raise it 1.5''. Dino had a modded stock x-member on the orange GMC 'burb and it was very low. I think you still end up sitting the cross shafts on the ground first....not sure.

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

bent doesn't necessarily mean it is stronger than welded either......
Porter was the originator, and the latest version of the dropmember has a very slick way to mount the lower arms.....

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Couldnt edit.......its FRENCHBLUE72...missed the 'H' up above.

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

found this thread for ya......his newest version is bent and welded...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=323437

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Nice pics on the french build. I have a 66 crossmember and a 71 crossmember. The 71 stuff will fit one the 66 right. I'm thinking chop,chop.:lol:

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Yessir.......pics please!!!:lol:

Re: Xmember Fab Question
 

Yes, please inspire me to chop my spare :metal: