About Pancaking Crossmembers

[KyleSeal]

On my 67, Im thinking down the road about a further drop, I'd like to lay frame one day, and would like to keep it inexpensive (meaning no aftermarket backhalfs or crossmembers). Im curious on how close I can get to laying frame with a big notch rear, and pancaking front crossmember 2 inches? I'd like to NOT cut into the factory floor, so z-ing the frame is kind of out of my things-to-consider list. Pics would be appreciated too.

[hewittca]

On my truck I tried to take the budget approach to get it as low as I could without buying anything other than standard lowering parts (springs, drop spindles, blocks). In the front I sectioned the crossmember 1.5". Any more than that and you are going to have to upgrade your steering (think rack and pinion). For the rear, I z-ed the frame just behind the cab so I could still use the factory rear suspension. Of course, this required raising the bed floor to accommodate, but you will need to modify the bed floor if you want to get anywhere near laying frame. I also dropped the body 1", which did require cutting a small hole in the cab floor. All in, I am at a 8/10 drop static. If I bagged my truck I miiight be able to lay frame. It's going to take a lot of figuring and creativity to lay frame without the help of aftermarket goodies, but I think it can be done.

[KyleSeal]

Thanks for the pictures and explanation! Did sectioning the crossmember need any floor mods or just the body drop itself?

[hewittca]

Originally Posted by KyleSeal

Thanks for the pictures and explanation! Did sectioning the crossmember need any floor mods or just the body drop itself?

Just the body drop required cutting the cab floor. Sectioning the crossmember required notching the LF upper control arm to clear the steering shaft. You may also need to do some clearancing for your tierods. Mine were hitting the crossmember on the front lower edge. This was at 1.5" sectioning. At 2" you are going to exaggerate this interference.

[SCOTI]

Transmission type will impact floor requirements so that's something to keep in mind. Some transmissions are porkier than others so they might require the 'tall' bolt-in style 4x4 hump for the tunnel vs the standard shallower 2x4 hump.

[KyleSeal]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Transmission type will impact floor requirements so that's something to keep in mind. Some transmissions are porkier than others so they might require the 'tall' bolt-in style 4x4 hump for the tunnel vs the standard shallower 2x4 hump.

Makes sense. My 700R4 isnt too large, but Im sure its probably a tight clearance. Ill have to see when I get the cab back on the chassis. Im just trying to make plans for next year when I start piling parts to bag it, so nothing really set in stone at the moment.