Removing bellhousing crossmember

[rbruno68]

I wanted to get member's thoughts on removing the bellhousing crossmember. I just bought a 63 C10 straight 6 with 4 speed granny gear transmission. I am planning on going with a small block and muncie 4 speed. Back when I first started driving, I had a 71 C10 that I had the same combination and kept the bellhousing crossmember. My muncie didn't have a support. I see a lot of people remove this crossmember and add a transmission crossmember. I am just curious on why people do this. Is it a strength/structural reason? Does it just make clearances for headers, clutch, etc easier? It seems very easy to find aftermarket or people making crossmembers. Back in the day, there were not that kind of options so I kept mine stock. Just curious on why people do it.
Thanks,
Rob