65 Suburban Cross member question

[62 bigwindow]

PLEASE forgive me guys as I am sure this has been asked numerous times
but after searching couldn't find a really clear answer
Finally got the motor and trans out of the suburban
(inline 6 and factory 3speed)
to get mocked up for 350ci motor and turbo 350 auto trans before doing suspension and brakes
and wasn't sure if I need to remove the stock bell housing cross member AND the next cross member with the ebrake assembly on it or just the bell housing cross member.
Also could use some info on power steering install
Thanks guys and sorry for asking something I am sure you have answered before

[Classic v6 GMC's]

Originally Posted by 62 bigwindow

PLEASE forgive me guys as I am sure this has been asked numerous times
but after searching couldn't find a really clear answer
Finally got the motor and trans out of the suburban
(inline 6 and factory 3speed)
to get mocked up for 350ci motor and turbo 350 auto trans before doing suspension and brakes
and wasn't sure if I need to remove the stock bell housing cross member AND the next cross member with the ebrake assembly on it or just the bell housing cross member.
Also could use some info on power steering install
Thanks guys and sorry for asking something I am sure you have answered before

Yes you will need to remove both cross members. The factory automatic cross members have the ebrake assembly on them.

[62 bigwindow]

Will the factory auto cross member from a c10 truck be the same?
is that all I need to use

[Classic v6 GMC's]

Originally Posted by 62 bigwindow

Will the factory auto cross member from a c10 truck be the same?
is that all I need to use

Yes a 63-65 C10-20 auto cross member will work. In 66 they changed to a different style e-brake setup.

[62 bigwindow]

I don't need a tubular after market trans cross member?

[DPowers]

Originally Posted by 62 bigwindow

I don't need a tubular after market trans cross member?

You could use an aftermarket tubular or OEM C10. Your choice.

[62 bigwindow]

And the factory bell housing cross member comes out and isn't replaced?
Just a factory 63 to 65 auto cross member with ebrake assembly or aftermarket tubular?
No ebrake if going with tubular after market?

[Classic v6 GMC's]

Originally Posted by 62 bigwindow

And the factory bell housing cross member comes out and isn't replaced?
Just a factory 63 to 65 auto cross member with ebrake assembly or aftermarket tubular?
No ebrake if going with tubular after market?

Yes you just need the auto cross member. You could go with a tubular after market cross member you would just have to fabricate the ebrake setup.

[Captainfab]

You can also use a auto trans crossmember from a '66-'87 truck, Suburban or 2wd K5 Blazer. Starting in about '78-'79 the drivers side of the crossmember mounts to the outside of the frame. When using the '66 and up crossmember, the easiest way to keep your e-brake is to convert to the '66-'72 cable assembly. Alternately some guys have mounted the '63-'65 style e-brake crossmember under the frame to clear the trans.


What do you need to know about installing power steering?

[DPowers]

Question as to why going with TH350 as opposed to a 700R to get the OD?
Mine is a '66 so had the later ebarke cables. I trimmed a trans mount from a late '70s Camaro.

[62 bigwindow]

I have a 350 motor and a 350 trans out of another truck I parted out and just going to use them since I already have them
Not above going another route and VERY open to suggestions in motor/trans/rear gear ratio to make this a nice true driver
CaptainFab what is best route for adding powersteering?

[Captainfab]

You can go with either new/rebuilt parts or good used parts, depending on the availability of used parts in your area. Does the 350 you are installing currently have a power steering pump on it? Did it come from a donor truck? The best route IMO is to get everything from a donor truck, especially if you are not familiar with all the pieces needed.

Originally Posted by 62 bigwindow

CaptainFab what is best route for adding powersteering?

[62 bigwindow]

Yeah the motor already had P/S pump mounted on it but thought of going with a serpentine belt kit so I can also add A/C. I may just go with factory brackets to add the A/C and run the v-belts like original.
Curious about which power steering box to use and will I need to change any of the steering linkage

[Captainfab]

All '68-'86 C series and '87-'91 R series steering boxes and pitman arms are interchangeable. Keep in mind that in 1980 the fitting style changed from SAE to Metric with an o-ring. You will want a steering box that has fittings to match your pump. No you do not have to change your draglink to add power steering.

[62 bigwindow]

What is involved with swapping from 3 speed column shift steering column to power steering box

[PGSigns]

When I did mine I just cut and sleeved it. If I do it again I'll go to the collapsible shaft from a later truck. There have been some threads on it and it looks like a great idea. I have a 700R4 in the 66 with a 373 gear and it works great with the overdrive and the lock up convertor. I would go that route, you will like it. On my 65 I removed the bell housing crossmember and used an after market trans crossmember. Was just a simpler way of dealing with the E brake.
Jimmy

[62 bigwindow]

Jimmy
did you remove the bell housing cross member AND the one behind it with the ebrake assembly?

[stsalvage]

One thing i like to say by using the factory cross member gives you options on different transmissions.Like your th350 or the 200R4 or the 700R4.I would of stayed with the factory.Some times all it takes is to re drill holes in the frame.Gives you a lot of options by using the factory plate me i like the E brake.You ever park on a hill and not have it.Seen a lot of these old trucks get crashed do to the steering column popping out of gear.I have a 1965 3/4 ton truck with a power glide auto trans I use the E brake quit often

[stsalvage]

Need to get more pics of the cross member I have one from a 1966 truck i will have to do some cleaning and see if i can put some pictures to gather to show how they work and the parts to make them work