changing from manual to auto xmember - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

malexander44 · 12-21-2007, 10:58 AM

I'm going to be putting in an automatic transmission (turbo 350)in my 69 that had a manual trans in it. I have the auto cross member and was wondering if I had to rivit it in or could I bolt it or even weld it in the proper location? After that is in I can just drill out the manual trans cross member, correct?

With that being said... where is the proper location for the automatic cross member? Pics would be great.

I know that I may be asking some basic questions for some, but this is my first build on a truck and just want to make sure everything is correct.

Thanks for the help,
Mark

crazy longhorn · 12-21-2007, 11:06 AM

If your engine/trans is in the proper(factory position), the auto trans should bolt right into the frame(bolts work fine). And yes, you will need to remove the old bell crossmember to fit the auto trans. A little more info on your combo will help(engine /trans, & is it factory?)

malexander44 · 12-21-2007, 11:25 AM

I assume the truck had an I6 with a manual trans. I have new towers for the V8 and the new cross member (excuss me if I might be using the wrong term for what I am talking about, I'm calling the cross member the piece of steel that the transmission mounts to) I thought the manual trans cross member was attached to the frame closer to the front of the truck and the auto cross member was attached to the frame further to the rear of the truck. Am I incorrect?

Mark

Luvlegs · 12-21-2007, 11:34 AM

nope, you are correct - the auto is back a bit farther. There should be bolt holes there for it already.

68K20 x Drill · 12-21-2007, 11:44 AM

You can save yourself a lot of trouble by removing the old cross member before you put an engine and tranny in.

Bolts are fine for the new one. Use good quality ones, and check occasionally to make sure they aren't working loose after your install.

myoldchevytruck · 12-21-2007, 11:49 AM

Should bolt right in. I used grade 8 bolts.

12-21-2007, 10:58 AM	#1
malexander44 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Grapevine, TX Posts: 58	changing from manual to auto xmember I'm going to be putting in an automatic transmission (turbo 350)in my 69 that had a manual trans in it. I have the auto cross member and was wondering if I had to rivit it in or could I bolt it or even weld it in the proper location? After that is in I can just drill out the manual trans cross member, correct? With that being said... where is the proper location for the automatic cross member? Pics would be great. I know that I may be asking some basic questions for some, but this is my first build on a truck and just want to make sure everything is correct. Thanks for the help, Mark

12-21-2007, 11:06 AM	#2
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	Re: changing from manual to auto xmember If your engine/trans is in the proper(factory position), the auto trans should bolt right into the frame(bolts work fine). And yes, you will need to remove the old bell crossmember to fit the auto trans. A little more info on your combo will help(engine /trans, & is it factory?) __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

12-21-2007, 11:25 AM	#3
malexander44 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Grapevine, TX Posts: 58	Re: changing from manual to auto xmember I assume the truck had an I6 with a manual trans. I have new towers for the V8 and the new cross member (excuss me if I might be using the wrong term for what I am talking about, I'm calling the cross member the piece of steel that the transmission mounts to) I thought the manual trans cross member was attached to the frame closer to the front of the truck and the auto cross member was attached to the frame further to the rear of the truck. Am I incorrect? Mark

12-21-2007, 11:34 AM	#4
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: changing from manual to auto xmember nope, you are correct - the auto is back a bit farther. There should be bolt holes there for it already. __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

12-21-2007, 11:44 AM	#5
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: changing from manual to auto xmember You can save yourself a lot of trouble by removing the old cross member before you put an engine and tranny in. Bolts are fine for the new one. Use good quality ones, and check occasionally to make sure they aren't working loose after your install. __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars

12-21-2007, 11:49 AM	#6
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: changing from manual to auto xmember Should bolt right in. I used grade 8 bolts. __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors



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