T56 transmission cross member

[69GMC2004]

For those of you running a T56 in your truck, what are you using for a crossmember? I see the T56 specific ones are pretty pricey. The TH350/400 ones are very reasonable but seeing mixed reviews on if they work. Trying to find a reasonably priced one, but may have to build one.

[LS short box]

On my 68 C10 LS swap with a T56 I purchased the trans cross member from ECE. If I was to do it again I would purchase a universal one from some one like Speedway Motors. Get the engine in positon then mock up the cross member to correct drive line angle. Mark the holes for drilling in the frame. Tack weld then pull it out finish welding it.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by 69GMC2004

For those of you running a T56 in your truck, what are you using for a crossmember? I see the T56 specific ones are pretty pricey. The TH350/400 ones are very reasonable but seeing mixed reviews on if they work. Trying to find a reasonably priced one, but may have to build one.

What did your truck originally have it it for a transmission?

LockDoc

[69GMC2004]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

What did your truck originally have it it for a transmission?

LockDoc

It had the SM465 with the mounts up by the bellhousing.

[69GMC2004]

Originally Posted by LS short box

On my 68 C10 LS swap with a T56 I purchased the trans cross member from ECE. If I was to do it again I would purchase a universal one from some one like Speedway Motors. Get the engine in positon then mock up the cross member to correct drive line angle. Mark the holes for drilling in the frame. Tack weld then pull it out finish welding it.

Yeah that's been floating in my mind as well. I was hoping to find something that would definitively work that's not a crazy amount of money. If I had to get a universal one and modify it to work I think I'd just build one from scratch, then I can make the drive line angle adjustable with shims or spacers.

[scottofksu]

This is the one I’ve had my eye on for the T-56 going into my 65...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B074L...NANSYDQX&psc=1

[69GMC2004]

Originally Posted by scottofksu

This is the one I’ve had my eye on for the T-56 going into my 65...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B074L...NANSYDQX&psc=1

Thanks, I was looking at that one too but they don't ship to the Great White North.

[LS short box]

Just FYi. The ECE cross member is basically a 1" x 2" tube that has welded brackets that match the frame rail dimensions and some bolt holes.
No reason a 1" x 2" tube with say 1/8" wall and a trans mount welded to it can't be used to span the frame and then shim the trans mount as needed.
The ECE trans cross member is well made no doubt. No disrespect to ECE.