Engine and transmission mounted! Or perhaps positioned would be the more appropriate phrase
The original S10 cross member was bent (due to being drug off the trailer at the beginning of the build due to 4 flats! and the cross member was handy) and didn't seem to really fit with the whole 4L60E and the engine relocation.
I found a '99 S10 that was being parted out and it had 4 leaf rear springs and a decent cross member so I thought I was home free! Well, the S10 frame starts to curve inward just behind the stock frame location and to achieve 4 degrees of down slope it would require some fabrication of new mounts.
Thanks to my welder friend who had some scrap 2 x 2 x 1/8 angle laying around I trimmed the stock cross member to match the frame width less about 1/2". This allows for the 2x2 to be welded to the end of the cross member and then use the other piece welded to the frame rail. I will bolt the cross member to the frame piece just in case I need to ever work on the trans, etc. using the stock transmount. The beauty of the stock cross member is that it allows you access to the mount and everything is kinda stock.
Scored a rear end out of a 98 Camaro SS. 3.23 gears and posi. Not sure about the condition but for $200 and a little welding I'll have a wider rear end and disc brakes and a 5 on 4 3/4 bolt pattern. The guy is pulling the Camaro center console and brake lever for me and I'll be trying to use the Camaro park brake lever? Haven't made a decision on the seats but I will have some form of center console.
Will be removing the bed to work on the rear end and that will allow access to all the mounting brackets to weld on the back supports for strength. Then blow the frame apart and sand blast the nasty, rusty thing so that I can start putting it together!