T56 crossmember What did you use in your swap?

[jjzepplin]

So I have a 72 2wd Blazer I am swapping a 5.7 and T56 into. I need to buy a transmission crossmember but I am not sure which one will work the best. My engine is as forward as I can get it without the F body pan hitting the frame. My shifter just barely clears the transmission hump opening. I would like to know who has done this swap with success and get some pics of your final installation as well as what you would have done different or used a different member. All information is welcome here!

[lutronjim]

Don't know how close Blazer is to C10 but I got my mounts from an outfit caused MuscleRods. I have an LC9 which has variable timing in front making it a 'long' engine - close to radiator and firewall. I bought front and tranny mounts as a kit. They have since changed design since I bought mine - see http://www.brphotrods.com/products/6...uck/index.html.

My set worked fine - stock LC9 pan - everything close but nothing hits. Correct angle for drive shaft.

I also purchased stainless headers from them. It doesn't hurt that they are are 'bout 30 minutes from house.

Hope this helps.

[jjzepplin]

Originally Posted by lutronjim

Don't know how close Blazer is to C10 but I got my mounts from an outfit caused MuscleRods. I have an LC9 which has variable timing in front making it a 'long' engine - close to radiator and firewall. I bought front and tranny mounts as a kit. They have since changed design since I bought mine - see http://www.brphotrods.com/products/6...uck/index.html.

My set worked fine - stock LC9 pan - everything close but nothing hits. Correct angle for drive shaft.

I also purchased stainless headers from them. It doesn't hurt that they are are 'bout 30 minutes from house.

Hope this helps.

I looked over the site. Wow they have a lot of stuff but the pics of the tranny mount are very helpful. Thank You.

[LS short box]

I did a 68 C10 with a T56. Bought an aftermarket cross member. Hind sight I would of made a 2"x2" tube cross member with a "L" brackets welded to the ends that bolt to the frame rails. Add spacers as needed to the trans mount to get the engine angle correct. If you don't have a high hump trans cover you will need one.

[jjzepplin]

Originally Posted by LS short box

I did a 68 C10 with a T56. Bought an aftermarket cross member. Hind sight I would of made a 2"x2" tube cross member with a "L" brackets welded to the ends that bolt to the frame rails. Add spacers as needed to the trans mount to get the engine angle correct. If you don't have a high hump trans cover you will need one.

I do have a high hump. Would your exhaust fit with the member going straight across? Any pics of your installation?

[gmc684x4]

Where you able to keep bench seat in your truck ?
I have a richmond gear 6 speed t5 style been thinking of using it in a c10

[jjzepplin]

BTW, Thanks for all the responses! I am going with buckets as it is a Blazer. Some guys have benches with T56 but the shifter position is moved to the forward spot. Not sure about the Richmond Unit.
I still would like to see some picture of your cross members fellas! Lets see those masterpieces!

[LS short box]

The cross member was from ECE. The cross member sits on the bottom of the frame rail. I ran the exhaust over the top of the cross member. Speed Engineering full length headers. I'll see if I can get pic.

[jjzepplin]

Awesome! I have the same headers and would like to do the same thing.

[1970 CST Short Wide]

I have 5.7 with T56 and I used my stock cross member. Unfortunately I don’t know what front mounts I have as they came with the motor but when I moved my crossmember into position there were holes already in my frame to bolt up the crossmember. I know this isn’t much help but it all worked. Don’t be afraid to drill a hole or two

[jjzepplin]

I am happy to hear there are a few of us out there. Maybe we should have our own forum for this. I would be stuck there all day. I need to post more pics of my own issues so they are documented for future enthusiasts. So some are using aftermarket cross members and some are using stock. I am interested in pics of both if you fellas can get around to it. I know it's hot out there right now.

[LS short box]

Just a couple things to look for.
Use engine mounts that put the oil pan very close to the suspension cross member. That will reduce the drive line angle. I like the looks of the Holley mounts. I don't know if they sell them separate from the whole kit.
Also as you get the engine and trans in check the drive shaft clearance where it passes thru the trailing arm cross member. The T56 is quite long compared to any of the stock transmissions. I had to notch mine a bit for more clearance.
Good luck with the swap.

[jjzepplin]

I am thinking of trying this one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-C10-1...AAAOSwxSxdRdKv

[Captainfab]

I don't know how they can fabricate those and sell them for $100.

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

I am thinking of trying this one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-C10-1...AAAOSwxSxdRdKv

[jjzepplin]

Thank You! My F-body pan sits about a half inch from hitting the x-member with ICT mounts. My truck was a 4wd so it has leaf springs in the rear. I figure they were good enough for Camaro's so some custom Cal Trac style traction bars and I should be fine. It has an axle flip right now so that should be fun.

[LS short box]

I agree with Captianfab. Got to be $40 in materials at least and then time plasma cutting and welding? Unless they building 100 plus at crack the numbers don't work for me.
Again just my .02 before you buy any cross member buy a piece of 2" x 2" tubing that spans from frame rail to rail and look at how easy it is to fab a trans cross member once you swing the engine and trans in.
Just a shout out for the Captianfab brake master cylinder/clutch master cylinder mount and pedal linkage. Worked like a million bucks. I used a 2005 Corvette brake booster/ master cylinder and it bolted right up to the Captianfab's mount.
In regards to the engine mounts get the oil pan as close as you can to cross member even if you have to mod the mounts a bit. I used a Camaro pan also. If you doing a 6" rear drop every quarter inch will help minimize the drive line angle.

[jjzepplin]

I have an axle flip in the rear already so that should minimize angles on the drive shaft. I agree about that cross member being so cheap but I don't think I can make one that nice for that money that has the drop out feature of taking out two bolts and the voila! I also only have a small flux core welder and don't want to get too involved in making sparks in my garage due to being in a new neighborhood and the HOA is on the prowl right now. I know, I know, my wife just HAD to have this house, in this area, on a lake, blah blah blah. Some of you might remember us living in a 675 sqft home with a huge yard where I could swap a frame out. Not so much any more.

[chev-obsession]

This is what I made, If you have some basic tools and welding capabilities you can make this easily. I made it for my LS backed with an AR5 (5 speed) in my 69. Took about 4 hours start to finish. I also am running the F body oil pan and the motor is sitting pretty low and as far forward as it can go.

[jjzepplin]

Thank You for the pics! Is it running yet? How did your exhaust work out?

[jjzepplin]

I truly thank everyone for their input and responses. They helped me to make a decision and it worked out great so far. I ended up giving this one a shot. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-C10-1...AAAOSwxSxdRdKv

I am amazed at the construction quality as well as the fast shipping. It fits my 72 2WD T56 very nicely. They sent along a nice spacer for the trans mount but I don't think it is necessary. I slipped it into position last night very easily but don't have any pics of that yet I will try to get some today. The welds on this are very nice and I can see good penetration. I could not have made this myself even with the right equipment. The drop out middle section is a fabulous addition to a well made unit. Here are some pics of the unit before installation.

[jjzepplin]

More pics...

[71cadc10]

looks good, wish I had seen that piece about a year ago. I went with the xmember from Porterbuilt, which is basically a straight tube w/ a tab for trans mount.