Crossmember swap &^@#%$ @#^#@ !!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Pyrotechnic · 12-28-2007, 05:46 PM

Ok, my truck came with a double hump transmission cross member when I bought it. I was going to install the exhaust and headers from my old truck so I swapped the funky light duty emissions single hump cross member in it place from the other truck.

Months later, I decide I don't wanna use the same headers and have to get the exhaust redone the right way so I try to put the double hump crossmember back in....IT DOESN'T FIT !

It's as if the frame rails are about 1/4 inch too close together now. I can get the bolts in one side, but when I go to bolt in the other side, it's all jammed up against the frame and the holes don't line up. It's almost as if the that single hump crossmember pulled the frame rails together or something.

Anyone ever have this problem? If I can spread the frame rails that little bit to get the bolts in it, everything might settle back in place over time, or I can enlongate the holes on the crossmemeber.

BaddBusa2005 · 12-28-2007, 07:49 PM

sounds a little odd to me. It shouldnt have changed. Are you sure that you are bolting it up like it was when you removed the double hump CM?

spudz · 12-29-2007, 04:34 AM

They can be a ***** sometimes... just get a big ol pry bar..lol I am not even joking...

James McClure · 12-29-2007, 10:41 AM

LOL, been there done that. Changed a clutch on my truck and the same cross member would not fit. Under the weight of the vehicle the frame shifts position. Simple fix is to get on side in, snug the bolts and then using a pointed tool, align the other side a little past where it has to be. Insert bolt and tighten it down. Remove tool and insert the other bolt and tighten it down. Then tighten the other side. Hope this helps, jim

Pyrotechnic · 12-29-2007, 02:42 PM

Got it done today. I was looking under the truck and the way the cab mounts are, they tend to push the frame inwards on the bottom. I got 2 jacks and jacked the truck up by the tip of the front cab mount on each side. The bolts went in easy after that. I could actually watch the frame flex back into position while i was jacking it up.

12-28-2007, 05:46 PM	#1
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Crossmember swap &^@#%$ @#^#@ !!! Ok, my truck came with a double hump transmission cross member when I bought it. I was going to install the exhaust and headers from my old truck so I swapped the funky light duty emissions single hump cross member in it place from the other truck. Months later, I decide I don't wanna use the same headers and have to get the exhaust redone the right way so I try to put the double hump crossmember back in....IT DOESN'T FIT ! It's as if the frame rails are about 1/4 inch too close together now. I can get the bolts in one side, but when I go to bolt in the other side, it's all jammed up against the frame and the holes don't line up. It's almost as if the that single hump crossmember pulled the frame rails together or something. Anyone ever have this problem? If I can spread the frame rails that little bit to get the bolts in it, everything might settle back in place over time, or I can enlongate the holes on the crossmemeber. Last edited by Pyrotechnic; 12-28-2007 at 05:46 PM.

12-28-2007, 07:49 PM	#2
BaddBusa2005 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cleveland, TN Posts: 440	Re: Crossmember swap &^@#%$ @#^#@ !!! sounds a little odd to me. It shouldnt have changed. Are you sure that you are bolting it up like it was when you removed the double hump CM? __________________ 1981 Custom Deeluxe SWB 5.3/4L60e 3.73 and Auburn. Mustang Dyno 265hp/258tq

12-29-2007, 04:34 AM	#3
spudz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Branchville SC Posts: 1,647	Re: Crossmember swap &^@#%$ @#^#@ !!! They can be a ***** sometimes... just get a big ol pry bar..lol I am not even joking... __________________ 2004 z71, 96 z71 on 38s, 88 Chevy k5 blazer, 4in lift. 84 swb project, 82 SWB project , 84 chevy 4x4 lwb project, 88 Jimmy beater/highschool ride. 79 c30. 99 tahoe 4x4 project. and a bunch of parts trucks..

12-29-2007, 10:41 AM	#4
James McClure One shot, one kill. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saratoga Springs NY Posts: 859	Re: Crossmember swap &^@#%$ @#^#@ !!! LOL, been there done that. Changed a clutch on my truck and the same cross member would not fit. Under the weight of the vehicle the frame shifts position. Simple fix is to get on side in, snug the bolts and then using a pointed tool, align the other side a little past where it has to be. Insert bolt and tighten it down. Remove tool and insert the other bolt and tighten it down. Then tighten the other side. Hope this helps, jim

12-29-2007, 02:42 PM	#5
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: Crossmember swap &^@#%$ @#^#@ !!! Got it done today. I was looking under the truck and the way the cab mounts are, they tend to push the frame inwards on the bottom. I got 2 jacks and jacked the truck up by the tip of the front cab mount on each side. The bolts went in easy after that. I could actually watch the frame flex back into position while i was jacking it up.



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