NV4500’s and Laying Frame

[bigtexasrob]

My crossmember section began today, which means soon I will have my front suspension off and will have the easiest opportunity to address my transmission crossmember (as I understand it must slide out the end of the frame with the crossmember removed). ‘74 C30 350 with the “four speed” (3+L) manual trans, swapping to 6.5 NV4500. Will my NV4500 mount to the stock transmission crossmember? Will the truck lay frame on stock trans xm? Should I/Do I have to switch it out for my 93 NV4500 crossmember? Thanks in advance.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I have never air bagged a car to lay frame, but I have gotten close. Since I pancaked, and I'd a frame for drop vs buying parts.

The trans cross member is above the frame so it is not a issue.

The issues you may encounter are the engine oil sump hanging below the frame, and the transmission sump. Or what ever it is called on a manual trans.

When laying frame sometimes people have to raise the engine, and trans 1-2 inches to make sure they are above the frame. Depending of course on how they got there.

What I liked to do was if I had the ability. Take the clip, and cab off. Set the engine, and tranny in place. After laying the frame on the floor. Set a piece of plywood under the pans. Then fabricate the mounts. This way everything is tucked up good.

You still may want to JB weld thick sheet metal on the pans just in case you hit a speed bump wrong. I do this a lot with the way Chevy hangs the pan. It can take a good whack with out leaking.

[mongocanfly]

when i went from my sm465 to the nv4500 , i used the same crossmemeber...but had to move it back 2in if i remember right...the crossmember will come out of the frame rails by taking the brace pieces off and turning it at a angle..but its tight

[bigtexasrob]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

when i went from my sm465 to the nv4500 , i used the same crossmemeber...but had to move it back 2in if i remember right

Any chance I could get a picture of that, possibly with some indication of ride height? Mine is currently dismounted but laying in the frame and drags every time I move the truck (hangs about 8” lower than the frame)

[mongocanfly]

I'll get some tomorrow if I get home before dark..

[bigtexasrob]

I’d appreciate it. The ‘93 C2500 donor my 6.5 and NV4500 came out of was 11/9.5” static dropped and the thought of the trans lifting up over speed bumps still gives me the heeby-jeebies.

[mongocanfly]

Rob...heres some pics of the nv4500...
1st pic shows none of the trans hangs below the frame...the next 3 are the best I could get of the crossmember without putting the truck on the lift...

[bigtexasrob]

Awesome, thanks. I don’t think I have those risers that hold the crossmember up like that, I’ll check around the shop and see if I ever did. I vaguely remember the one I have mounting to the bottom of the rail, but from what it sounds like I’ll be able to use whichever crossmember and still have the ability to space it up into the truck.