Front crossmember interchange?

[Russ.W.]

G'day all ...

Just got done stripping the front suspension, and noticed my crossmember is a little worse for wear and will need replacing (like most everything on this truck)




My problem is being in Australia, it's unlikely I'll fund one locally, and buying a used one from the US will still take 3 months to get here.

Before I decide what to do, I'd like to know if:

- 67-72 front crossmembers are the same?

- 2wd and 4wd the same?

- are 73+ useable? as 73+ pickups were released locally.

Mine is a 1967 2wd 1/2 ton. I already have replacement upper & lower control arms from LMC, and a 2" drop spindle front disc brake kit form ECE.

What are my options?

Thanks for your time.

[mcmlxix]

Well the 67 frame in the states didnt have a spot for a power steering box where the 68 and newer did. Also, from the picture in your avator, you may have a RH drive truck which may change things.... but putting that aside, the 73+ crossmembers will bolt in using two existing holes and then you drill two new holes. There are some tie rod changes and your control arms may not fit the 73+ crossmember... I would check with LMC or ECE about the interchange of their respective parts....

[67c10rustbuket]

67-70 are identical

71-72 the main cross member is identical, the brake hose mounting tab was moved from the rear to the front for disk brakes

73+ is very similar and is interchangeable with drilling a few holes, 73+ also used larger U bolts to retain the lower control arm shaft. If I remember correctly they use 9/16" U bolts. But seeing as I could only find the 9/16 anyway and drilled out my cross member this is really a non issue.

[67c10rustbuket]

And 2wd vs 4wd are not interchangeable, completely different animals. You can install either cross member to either frame with some measuring and drilling to convert either way 2wd>4wd>2wd but a 4wd cross member will not work with typical 2wd suspension.

[Russ.W.]

OK cool. Thanks for the replies.

I'll see if I can find a 73 locally. That would save me time & money.

Cheers.

[Russ.W.]

Bringing this back again ... I've found a 73+ crossmember locally.

Before buying I need to confirm, if anyone knows.

Using a 73+ crossmember (with a few holes needed drilling), with 67 upper & lower control arms, including the 67 upper control arm mounting bracket (the piece that mounts the control arms to the frame.

Will this work? What am I not thinking of?

Motor mounts?

[chevytruckluver]

Use the 73+ control arms they have rubber bushings and are easier to deal with
You can re use the 67 engine stands
Good luck

[Russ.W.]

Unfortunately I've already purchased new 67 control arms, as well as a 67 disc kit from ECE.

They were purchased long before I discovered the crossmember was cactus.