Proper Location for Cross Member (pictures)

[fredhlynch2]

I have searched this forum for info, and possibly pictures, to help me with a cross member swap. Have a 66 C10 and a 1977 front cross member with disc brakes from donor. What holes line up and which don't? What do I watch out for? I understand some holes must be drilled, but which ones?

Any help would be appreciated

[tincan1966]

If you don't want to drill holes, just bolt the '77 components on your '66 crossmember. You do not have to change it to upgrade to disc brakes.

[fredhlynch2]

66 cross member is gone. Bought the truck this way. So, now I am committed to swapping the 77 cross member.

[tincan1966]

That makes sense! I believe if you put the crossmember in, there are only two holes that do not quite align, so basically install it, put all the bolts in that easily line up then drill out the others.

I have only had to swap out one crossmember due to damage, and that was years ago. I normally just bolt on the parts. Sorry if this isn't much help.

[earl84]

I just did this a few months ago, and can't remember which holes needed to be made larger. The idler arm holes will need to be drilled. Honestly, once you put it in there, it is very apparent and really a non-issue. BTW, I bought a carbide burr bit yesterday at my local welding shop, and that thing works amazingly well for enlarging holes. I had used one that I bought at Sears, and this one ran circles around that thing. I just chuck it up in a drill since I have no large air compressor. I suggest you get that bit, it will make your life easier.

[fredhlynch2]

Thanks for all the reply's...quite helpful. I would have thought someone would have documented this procedure with pictures though. What may be apparent to one person....not so much another.

I'll get that burr bit as well!

[earl84]

Here's a link to a swap with a C20 that I used as a reference. Don't know why it never crossed my mind at first. Lots of pics. To the best of my knowledge, there is no difference between a 3/4 ton crossmember change and a 1/2 ton crossmember change. The 'Burbs stayed the same through '91, whereas the pickups were the same '73-'87, just so you know that this thread is still applicable to your situation. Mine was a '79 C20 to a '66 C20 swap. Pretty straightforward, and I did it alone with an engine hoist, a floor jack, and some jackstands. A little help would have been great a few times, but for the most part, not too bad.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=357610

[kieth]

Here is the only reference picture that I have:

This shows the bottom holes and where the angle iron goes, just click on each thumbnail to see how the crossmember goes in......Kieth

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-CDhsh7v

[siggyfreud]

I didn't take photos of my swap, but essentially the easiest way to find out is to try and put it in. Jack up the crossmember so the holes going through the bottom of the frame are aligned, and then try and align the side holes. Two on each side will align nicely, while two (one threaded, one not) will not. One will need to be elongated (per side) and the other will need to be created altogether. I believe they're the forward-two most holes, but could be wrong.

Too many of the original holes line up to get the placement wrong though .

[fredhlynch2]

Thanks much to all of you...appears to be too easy, as most of you said.

Really appreciate Keith's photos.....a picture is worth a thousand words!

Fred