Can this bent 4x4 cross member be straitened? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**ohboy321** · 10-06-2020, 03:31 AM

I am replacing all the rubber drive train mounts on my K10 and I am wondering if my bent rear cross member can be straitened? For example would someone with a acetylene torch and a press be able to heat it enough and make it look better? Any suggestions appreciated.

**Thealien** · 10-06-2020, 06:09 AM

In my humble opinion for the amount of effort that would take I bet you could get 1 pretty reasonable from 1 of the board vendors used?

**Mts67C10K20** · 10-06-2020, 07:12 AM

To answer,yes almost anything metal can be straightened with enough heat ..force..and time
But have to second Thealien finding a replacement may be the better route

57taskforce · 10-06-2020, 07:49 AM

My K20 had a similar bend in it when I bought it. It ended up that the cross member being bent was actually twisting the top of the driver side frame rail out quite a bit. I would replace it if Its possible.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=662879&page=5
See post 104 here

**ohboy321** · 10-06-2020, 06:15 PM

Thank you all for the responses. It is pretty thick, but I wanted to check first. With your info I've already looked around and see they can be purchased for a reasonable price. I will work on obtaining one.

Changing rubber mounts has just morphed in replacing the cross member....but it will look great when done.

Thanks,

gmc684x4 · 10-06-2020, 07:02 PM

I would look for a new one if it was my truck
I would also pull it out check the straitness of it with a straight edge it looks straight on the channel part of the crossmember and if fairly decent heat it up fix the bent lip and use it until i found a cleaner crossmember

**CUSTOM/10** · 10-08-2020, 08:55 AM

Steve,
It looks like you have a T221 t/c you will need a cross member for that t/c. The np205 cross member is 1" taller.

Gary

**ohboy321** · 10-09-2020, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CUSTOM/10

Steve,
It looks like you have a T221 t/c you will need a cross member for that t/c. The np205 cross member is 1" taller.

Gary

Gary, my '67' runs on a 1970 K10 chassis and I have an NP205 t/c. I did not know the rear cross members would be different, so I am very glad you mentioned this. Based on this I will look for cross members from 70-72.
Thanks

irl104 · 10-09-2020, 12:24 PM

I'd straighten it. It's not that bad. Add some heat and a large cresent wrench to bend it back into shape.

**CUSTOM/10** · 10-09-2020, 01:49 PM

Steve,
I believe I have one out in my shed. I'll check after work and let you know.

Gary

**ohboy321** · 10-09-2020, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CUSTOM/10

Steve,
I believe I have one out in my shed. I'll check after work and let you know.

Gary

I'd be interested in that Gary. No shipping on a large part would be good.

10-06-2020, 03:31 AM	#1
ohboy321 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Dunbarton, NH Posts: 286	Can this bent 4x4 cross member be straitened? I am replacing all the rubber drive train mounts on my K10 and I am wondering if my bent rear cross member can be straitened? For example would someone with a acetylene torch and a press be able to heat it enough and make it look better? Any suggestions appreciated. Attached Images __________________ Steve/NH 1967 K10 327 Short Bed Stepside

10-06-2020, 06:09 AM	#2
Thealien Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pine Ridge Florida Posts: 4,135	Re: Can this bent 4x4 cross member be straitened? In my humble opinion for the amount of effort that would take I bet you could get 1 pretty reasonable from 1 of the board vendors used? __________________ Click on my Not really a build thread, yet NOT SO RUST FREE RUST FREE BLAZER LS ENGINE SWAP INFORMATION THREAD BOLT RESTORATIONS 4l60 to an NP205

10-06-2020, 07:12 AM	#3
Mts67C10K20 Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Dowagiac Michigan Posts: 202	Re: Can this bent 4x4 cross member be straitened? To answer,yes almost anything metal can be straightened with enough heat ..force..and time But have to second Thealien finding a replacement may be the better route

10-06-2020, 07:49 AM	#4
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 6,505	Re: Can this bent 4x4 cross member be straitened? My K20 had a similar bend in it when I bought it. It ended up that the cross member being bent was actually twisting the top of the driver side frame rail out quite a bit. I would replace it if Its possible. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=662879&page=5 See post 104 here __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne: 5” lift, 35’s, front dana 60 blah blah blah… http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB: 4” lift 33”s… in a million pieces http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 35x12.5x20’s

10-06-2020, 06:15 PM	#5
ohboy321 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Dunbarton, NH Posts: 286	Re: Can this bent 4x4 cross member be straitened? Thank you all for the responses. It is pretty thick, but I wanted to check first. With your info I've already looked around and see they can be purchased for a reasonable price. I will work on obtaining one. Changing rubber mounts has just morphed in replacing the cross member....but it will look great when done. Thanks, __________________ Steve/NH 1967 K10 327 Short Bed Stepside

10-06-2020, 07:02 PM	#6
gmc684x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Whitehorse yukon Posts: 1,218	Re: Can this bent 4x4 cross member be straitened? I would look for a new one if it was my truck I would also pull it out check the straitness of it with a straight edge it looks straight on the channel part of the crossmember and if fairly decent heat it up fix the bent lip and use it until i found a cleaner crossmember

10-08-2020, 08:55 AM	#7
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,854	Re: Can this bent 4x4 cross member be straitened? Steve, It looks like you have a T221 t/c you will need a cross member for that t/c. The np205 cross member is 1" taller. Gary __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

10-09-2020, 12:24 PM	#9
irl104 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Martinsville, IN. Posts: 251	Re: Can this bent 4x4 cross member be straitened? I'd straighten it. It's not that bad. Add some heat and a large cresent wrench to bend it back into shape.

10-09-2020, 01:49 PM	#10
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,854	Re: Can this bent 4x4 cross member be straitened? Steve, I believe I have one out in my shed. I'll check after work and let you know. Gary __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859



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