tranny cross member help

[62 short step]

Here are some pics of my problem. What could I use to take up the space? It's 2 inches that I need. I guess a piece of 2 inch square tubing would work? Anyone have some other ideas?

[GM Cowboy]

The square tubing is a good idea. Or maybe weld a piece or angle iron inside frame to bolt crossmember. Then theres always spacers like some chevy trucks used.

[62 short step]

The angle iron is a good idea. Then I wouldn't have to have 2 1/2 to 3 inch bolts going all the way down. I guess the easiest would be the spacers.

[Fred T]

From an engineering standpoint, angle bolted to the frame will be best. If you use tubing, I would recommend using short bolts, bolting the tube to the frame and the tube to the crossmember. Long bolts through the tube become a major problem with shear loads. Meaning that if you bump into something too hard you will probably break a bolt.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by Fred T

From an engineering standpoint, angle bolted to the frame will be best. If you use tubing, I would recommend using short bolts, bolting the tube to the frame and the tube to the crossmember. Long bolts through the tube become a major problem with shear loads. Meaning that if you bump into something too hard you will probably break a bolt.

Thats what I did today Fred, I bolted 2'' angle to the frame and the crossmember bolted to the top of the angle. I didn't like the idea of having long bolts. I'll get some pics for ya.


I added some pics. Turned out well.

[rickf]

Looks like a problem to me. With the C channel is sitting atop the angle bracket, there is a hollow under the bolts. Bascially, it can't be tightened, it will just collapse. Maybe it will feel tight when you put it together, but with use it will flex and settle, and always be coming loose.

Some spacers under the bolts to take up the space might be good enought. I'd rather see the angle brackets shortened to fit up inside the C channel, and raised appropriately so it is metal-to-metal at the bolts.

[62 short step]

Yea, its not ideal. But I have some spacers I'm going to put up in that void. Thanks for your concern, any help is appreciated!!

[kris's66lwb]

glad you went the angle way cuz i was gonna saystick a 2x4 in and call it done that would have been better that what they did to mine they used a stop sign post as the cross member but it works good

[283 Man]

looking good there Jermey

[68K20 x Drill]

Is that an NP208?
If it is there are two adapters, a 'tall' and a 'short'.