There are a few different ways to go with the cross member.
1. Modify existing cross member.
2. Use aftermarket cross member that's engineered for the application.
3. Fabricate your own cross member based on good design/engineering practice.
4. Cobble parts together that weren't made for the job and won't do the job in the long term.
I chose #2 but saw some ideas for #4 that had me shaking my head. If I had more fabrication practice and equipment I would have given #1 a go.
The cross member came from
Pacific Fabrication. It looks like this:
There are a few important things to know about this cross member in general:
1. You will end up fabricating a driver's side brake line to clear the cross member until Pacific Fabrication changes the driver's side design to match the passenger side (see notch on left side in photo).
2. You may end up modifying the brackets that mount to the frame to make them work for you without interfering with other items like brake lines on the driver's side frame rail and front suspension bump stops on both sides.
3. A lift was required to make this cross member work. This "small" item doesn't get enough emphasis for my taste. It made the build more expensive and delayed completion of the project. A 2.5" front lift gave approximately 3" of clearance between the front differential housing and the cross member. 4.5" Energy Suspension universal bump stops were used on the front to prevent differential housing to cross member contact.
For an LQ4/TH350 install with the stock engine starting in the rear most position you should know this about the Pacific Fabrication cross member:
1. Custom engine mounting plates will be required. The front face of the rear mount ear should be place approximately 14.75" from the face of the transmission bellhousing surface. A picture of the brackets appears below:
Passenger side mounted to LQ4:
Driver's side mounted to LQ4:
Standby for a file that will allow fabrication of these brackets. If you don't have the ability to cut 0.25" plate steel not to fear. Places like
Big Blue Saw can hook you up like they did me. You can then weld the parts or take them to a local lead pipe swinging welder for assembly.