Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

Okay so I dont have porterbuilt's beautiful products in my hands yet but in preparation i am going through my truck slowly and and this truck is going to keep its drivetrain for a while which is a 250/ 3spd originally column but not aftermarket floor setup. My issue is after all my research i've never seen anyone complain about the transmission crossmember being lower than the frame, just the crossmember hence the dropmember inception. Whats my options here? I tried to load photos but my mac is being a douche. any help here would be appreciated. I'll change transmissions if i have to but this truck runs great and has no need for it so if there is a way around this I would prefer it!

Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

So after more research I've found maybe that the crossmember I have is strictly for the 3spd truck version specifically? apparently the V8 crossmember holds up the tail like im used to in the 73-87's and what i've got has nothing under the tailshaft. So If I drilled holes on my tailshaft would a v8 trans crossmember work?? Or an automatic trans swap is in order?

Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

The original 3spd's were pretty short & that's why the tranny's were supported @ the bellhousing vs @ the tailshaft. I would think a custom cross-member could be fabbed or the original one could possibly be re-used w/an adapter between. Optimally, a swap to a later 3spd that has syncronized gearing would be the best as they utilize the same tailshaft type cross-member.

Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

Yeah it looks like I could fab up a real simple cross member to hold the tail end up where the V8 or automatic cross members originally came, there are already holes in the frame perfectly straddling the tail shaft area. Ultimately keeping what I have would be awesome but If I were to switch to a different version 3spd say from a car, what's the trans codes or proper nomenclature of those transmissions, so I know what I'm looking at? I don't even know what to label my 3spd. Also out of curiosity, do 200R4's or TH350s bolt right up to these old I6's? Thanks for the insight. Finally got those photos as well...

Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

i believe the truck 3 speed tailshafts werent drilled?

Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

The 230/250 and the 292 all have the common Chevy bellhousing pattern. So yes a TH350 or 200-4R will bolt right up.

Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

Yeah my tail shaft is not drilled although Im sure I could get it drilled and just fab a simple tail shaft crossmember. That would be the most inexpensive route to drop this thing but it still looks like the trans itself is VERY close to dragging before the frame would, but I've been told the porterbuilt dropmember does raise the engine up slightly?

Another side thought, If I come across and automatic I would prefer to have that anyway, I've read there are some clearance issues with the trans tunnel combined with a dropmember? Thanks for the input! Gears are turning...

Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

A 200R would be ideal; auto w/OD.

Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

I'm not entirely sure but I believe the Dropmember comes with a tranny crossmember that you might be able to use. Check out DLOE's thread, he's got a Dropmember and an I6.

Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

He sure is, sick build too. He is using a 292/200r4 it looks like. Ive never had to mate an autmoatic so Im a little hesitant but I wouldnt rule it out. Thanks for showing me that build, great motivation! (porn)

Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

yes they should bolt right in:metal:

Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember
 

Hey Rusty,
Before I dropped in my 292/2004r combo I had a 250/th350 in it, so yes the auto tranny's will bolt right up, the dropmember will raise the engine up and it comes with a tranny xmember. You will need to switch to a high hump floor section or tub it yourself. Nate has motor mounts for the 250 so you should be good to go if you get the dropmember. Hit me up if you have any questions.

-Derek
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