How to replace frame crossmember? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

budman k20 · 02-17-2010, 02:00 PM

Hi,

I purchase a 73 front cross member for the sway bar mounts from a board member to put on my 72 K20 ... now I want to install it! What does everyone do? Bolt it in ...or does it need to be riveted? Seems like bolts would work loose over time, but riveting seems like a lot of work! Anyone done this before and if so how did you do it?

69 longhorn · 02-17-2010, 02:46 PM

The sway bar brackets were originally riveted to the frame horns, but you can bolt them on. I use grade 8 bolts, with pinch lock nuts(they dont work loose). On the lower arms, the "C" brackets that hold the bushings for the sway bar, were bolted from the factory. crazyAL

budman k20 · 02-17-2010, 04:55 PM

Hi Al,

Your suggestion sounds correct for a 2 wheel drive but I have a 72 K20 and I am using a 4x4 cross member from a 73 K20 that has the brackets as part of the crossmember so I have to replace the entire front cross member. That is why I questioned using bolts.

69 longhorn · 02-17-2010, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budman k20

Hi Al,

Your suggestion sounds correct for a 2 wheel drive but I have a 72 K20 and I am using a 4x4 cross member from a 73 K20 that has the brackets as part of the crossmember so I have to replace the entire front cross member. That is why I questioned using bolts.

Oops, I missed the K part! crazyAL

**LockDoc** · 02-17-2010, 06:46 PM

-
I have done three complete crossmember transplants, used grade 8 bolts with no problems. Mine have been 2wd but it shouldn't make any difference....

LockDoc

JimKshortstep4x4 · 02-17-2010, 08:23 PM

The 73 crossmember is not a bolt in replacement, so you will need to modify the way it is mounted. If you look at it you will notice that it mounts at a different angle from the 72 K-10.

Jim

02-17-2010, 02:00 PM	#1
budman k20 1972 K20 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Greenfield MN Posts: 360	How to replace frame crossmember? Hi, I purchase a 73 front cross member for the sway bar mounts from a board member to put on my 72 K20 ... now I want to install it! What does everyone do? Bolt it in ...or does it need to be riveted? Seems like bolts would work loose over time, but riveting seems like a lot of work! Anyone done this before and if so how did you do it?

02-17-2010, 02:46 PM	#2
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	Re: How to replace frame crossmember? The sway bar brackets were originally riveted to the frame horns, but you can bolt them on. I use grade 8 bolts, with pinch lock nuts(they dont work loose). On the lower arms, the "C" brackets that hold the bushings for the sway bar, were bolted from the factory. crazyAL __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

02-17-2010, 04:55 PM	#3
budman k20 1972 K20 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Greenfield MN Posts: 360	Re: How to replace frame crossmember? Hi Al, Your suggestion sounds correct for a 2 wheel drive but I have a 72 K20 and I am using a 4x4 cross member from a 73 K20 that has the brackets as part of the crossmember so I have to replace the entire front cross member. That is why I questioned using bolts.

02-17-2010, 06:46 PM	#5
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,386	Re: How to replace frame crossmember? - I have done three complete crossmember transplants, used grade 8 bolts with no problems. Mine have been 2wd but it shouldn't make any difference.... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

02-17-2010, 08:23 PM	#6
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: How to replace frame crossmember? The 73 crossmember is not a bolt in replacement, so you will need to modify the way it is mounted. If you look at it you will notice that it mounts at a different angle from the 72 K-10. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC



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