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05-02-2006, 05:02 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Southern Pines NC
Posts: 3,853
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Advice needed on engine frame brackets
What a PITA, have done many 4X4 cross member swaps, no problem. Done a couple of 73-80 into 64-72 trucks. Of course for other people. I just finished swapping a 87 cross member into my 67/69/71. I thought I was being slick and did it with the complete front suspension, sway bar, steering linkage, wheels etc. I was trying to be even slicker and used a 76 cross member for mock up purposes, to see how much I had to slot 2 holes and where I had to drill the 2 others
. 87 cross members and motor mounts are different! Had to do some drilling and slotting once I had the 87 mostly bolted to the 69 frame. No big deal just more time, then I was trying to mount up the 87 engine mounts, no where near close. When bolted to the cross member they stood almost an inch higher then the frame rails! Then measured the height of the 87 frame rails and inch higher, when did Chevy change the frames? I have never used a newer than 80 cross member to do a swap. After all the time and work, will never do another swap again, I will just swap the suspension. Now a question, after the rant. I tried 68 style motor mounts, both big and small block, tried 72 big and small block. When I lined up the holes on the top frame rail the one bolt hole on the bottom part of the bracket was half way off the cross member. None of the holes on the bottom/cross member came close. I have tried every combo of brackets I have, I have none from 73-80 though, even some 4X4 brackets. What do I use for engine mounts? I am putting a 383 in it until I finish gathering parts to do my 502. I thought if I used the later model cross member and the brackets I would be able to run a small and big block on the same brackets and mounted in the same place. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems. Plus can I use the factory automatic trans cross member with a 200 R? I know I will have to move it back but depending on the answer with the engine brackets will the small/big block/ transmission assembly fit right? Meaning the angle (4%?) tilt back? I will get into the swap of the 87 booster/cylinder/front and rear brake lines/proportioning valve on another thread it actually went well, I like the look of the aluminum master cylinder. Last edited by qksilver; 05-03-2006 at 06:21 PM. Reason: more detail |
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