transmission crossmember?

[69GMC910]

Does anybody make an aftermarket one for a 81-87 application?

[walkerb]

Yours rotted out?

I have seen some aftermarket crossmembers on websites that sell suspension parts. Cant remember where. I'll look

[masterlock]

http://*************/crossmembers/63-...on-crossmember

[69GMC910]

Not rotted out, but a pain in the butt for doing 3" exhaust... The one above looks like it will solve my problem. Thanks for the link!
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[baclay9]

I have that one and there is plenty of exhaust clearance above it.


By claypool782 at 2011-06-06


By claypool782 at 2011-09-01

[SCOTI]

I like the ones built by Early Classic Enterprises & Perf Online because they capture both the top & bottom of the frame rail like a factory unit does to limit frame flex. The universal tubular units will support the trans fine, but they don't help strengthen the frame....

http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx
http://www.performanceonline.com/196...MEMBER-TCM6372

[J Knight]

Factory 73-76 crossmembers dont dip low on the drivers side, they are semetrical and a mirror image of the right side of your current cross member.

[81c10steps]

Does anyone make one for an 81-87 manual trans? I'm having the same problem you are and can not fit the exhaust I have.

[Pyrotechnic]

Originally Posted by J Knight

Factory 73-76 crossmembers dont dip low on the drivers side, they are semetrical and a mirror image of the right side of your current cross member.

They still had them beyond that time on anything that didn't have to have a catalytic converter on it, which is heavy duty half tons and up. I'm not sure when or if the emissions laws started to tighten up but I know trucks with higher GVWR's didn't need them.

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

They still had them beyond that time on anything that didn't have to have a catalytic converter on it, which is heavy duty half tons and up. I'm not sure when or if the emissions laws started to tighten up but I know trucks with higher GVWR's didn't need them.

Thats good to know, I already have a 74 exhaust friendly crossmember soon to go in my 82.

[Hertzdaddy]

I was just installing my crossmember on my 73 Jimmy yesterday and thought I'd add my 2 cents worth. I have the early symmetrical style but the truck was missing the uprights when I bought it.
-You can pull the high side uprights from the later year trucks and flip them to fit either side of the early x-member.
-If the bolts aren't already installed on the upper side of the frame you may have to lift the body to drop them in or find short bolts and install from below.
-The uprights eliminate a lot of flex. I had to move my jackstands around a few times to get the holes to line up. Of course mine is a convertible so there is a little more flex than normal.
-The x-member can be rotated 180* horizontally on the trans mount axis to achieve a slight difference in trans mount points. The frame mount holes on the x-member are drilled a little off center from the trans mount holes. On mine, when I put the side of the x-member with the part # stamping towards the back it moved the trans mount hole about 1/2" towards the front vs. the other way.

[C15_Sierra]

I'm on the hunt for a new crossmember for my 5.3/4L60E swap, and I like the Early Classic/Perf. Online setup with the frame bracket setup, but it says they're for 67-72's - will it still fit on 73-87?

I'd re-use my crossmember, but it doesn't have the dual frame support brackets - it only has the brackets on the right and then it slings under the frame and bolts up on the outside of the frame rails - probably because it was an '80 emissions-equipped 1/2 ton

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by C15_Sierra

I'm on the hunt for a new crossmember for my 5.3/4L60E swap, and I like the Early Classic/Perf. Online setup with the frame bracket setup, but it says they're for 67-72's - will it still fit on 73-87?

I'd re-use my crossmember, but it doesn't have the dual frame support brackets - it only has the brackets on the right and then it slings under the frame and bolts up on the outside of the frame rails - probably because it was an '80 emissions-equipped 1/2 ton

Yes, they can work on 73-87's (73-91 burbs, blazers, & CC's too). They might need the holes in the flanges enlarged or possibly re-drilled & a spacer for the trans mount depending on the placement & type of drivetrain.

I used one of these for my CC dually w/a 454/th400 combo after slightly modifying it for the taller rails & making a new mounting pad.

[Yupiamlo]

The Thorbecke Bro's one is awesome, I have one too

[truckzilla]

Thanks Scoti, for the recommendation and link for a crossmember you gave back in September. I just ordered one.

[maxxxy]

Why do you think the ECE crossmember costs $20 more than the performance online crossmember?
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[gchemist]

A member on this board made this one for me.

[maxxxy]

Does that hang below the frame?
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[gchemist]

Nope.


You can barely see driverside Chevelle header sticking down a bit.

[i heart square bodys]

What do you guys think of this unit that i have fab'd up , fully boxed the frame woth some channel i had made at a local welding shop , i did so because i found it will make for easyer removal later on. Hope ot works !

[SCOTI]

Looks good to go.