? for the experts on the front cross member - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

WILLNIK · 12-10-2004, 11:44 PM

Probably a dumb question, but here it goes. While installing the new front cross member, the bottom two bolts go through a welded nut on the cross member. (72 1/2 ton 2-wheel drive) These don't line up perfectly, off just enough so I can't get the bolt started. Can I remove the welded nuts and use the lock washers and nuts provided in the stainless kit I bought? Or do I keep adjusting it until the original welded nuts line up?
Thanks, Terry

68LSS1 · 12-11-2004, 04:35 AM

What year is the crossmember out of? I'd do everything I could to try and get it to work as the last thing you want is a crossmember that is not square to the frame. If I couldn't do that, I'd probably open the holes a little and retain the welded nuts. As far as the structural integrity, there would be nothing wrong with removing the welded nut and installing a lock washer/nut of proper grade either. My aftermarket cossmember is entirely bolted in using SS fasteners also.

WILLNIK · 12-11-2004, 08:02 AM

68LSS1,
Thanks for the reply. The cross member is out of a '72 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive. The frame is a '70 short wheel base frame. I can get two out of the four lined up (one on each side), but the other two are off just enough so I can't get the bolt started. Did GM install these then tack weld them? I will go back today and try again. Thanks again, Terry

tommygfunk · 12-11-2004, 08:37 AM

I put a 87 crosses member and complete suspension and steering into my 67 short step the 4 bolts 2 of what you are speaking I rounder out the holes on the frame. You have more than enough bolts to line up and keep the c/m straight on the frame. Let me know if you need anymore help.
The swap was easier than I thought it would be. There is verry little differences between the two c/m’s

Bob Moore · 12-11-2004, 02:13 PM

You might have to leave the three vertical bolts through the frame rails loose until you get the lower 2 horizontal ones started. After you get them started you can go back and forth with the lower ones until all are tight.

WILLNIK · 12-12-2004, 11:08 PM

Thanks for the replies. Anyone else? Terry

68C15 · 12-12-2004, 11:40 PM

I think what he is talking about is the pieces that bolt to the Xmember & thwe frame. (on the outside of frame where the upper arms connect)
I removed the welded nuts & installed lock washers & regular nuts myself. I believe there was a difference in the bolt size. one was 7/16 & the other was 1/2 I think.

silvertonguedevil · 12-13-2004, 12:07 AM

I bought a '70 shortbox frame that had no front suspension under it at all and I then slid a '72 rolling cross member under it. I never ran across any welded nuts

Did somebody already get rid of them?

67ChevyRedneck · 12-13-2004, 01:45 PM

I put a 71 gmc disk brake set up in my '67. I had the exact same problem you did....I worried if I enlarged them I would mess up the front end alignment...after MANY frustrating hours I installed the front two bolts, took measurements for squareness, tightened them down, and enlarged the other two holes. I then rebuilt the entire suspension and disk brake assemblies with ALL new parts. Long story short I was afraid that when I took it in for the alignment they would say it was messed up...but the guy told me I did an excellent job, all he had to do was adjust the camber on the driver side 1/16". Also, the alignment shop was a specailty place here in town that does nothing but alignments and brakes. 6,000 miles on new front end...disk brakes are awesome...NO vibrations, NO unusual tire wear. I say do what I did, be careful, and enlarge them.

Slammed67 · 12-13-2004, 02:20 PM

Quote:

I never ran across any welded nuts Did somebody already get rid of them?

The weld nuts are located on the upper a-arm brackets as pointed out in the pic below....

Tx Firefighter · 12-13-2004, 04:20 PM

You guys worry a lot sometimes.

I know a guy who used to swap the crossmembers and leave those 2 bolts out rather than worry with grinding the holes.

No ill effects were ever noted after driving the trucks for many miles, and the dude eventually grew up and turned out just fine......me!

**N2TRUX** · 12-13-2004, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

....the dude eventually grew up and turned out just fine......me!

Can we vote on that.... :p

Solver · 12-13-2004, 09:33 PM

Sounds like a good poll question but I don't think Tex would like us and most of us haven't even met him :p

.Oh well Gotta question the sanity of most of us that live on this board!!

Tx Firefighter · 12-13-2004, 09:36 PM

I think I'll just go back over to my welding forum boards now.

tommygfunk · 12-13-2004, 10:38 PM

at mothertruckers. he helped me swap the 87 to my 67

**N2TRUX** · 12-13-2004, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I think I'll just go back over to my welding forum boards now.

Ahh man don't get your feelings hurt.....

WILLNIK · 12-15-2004, 07:26 PM

Thanks for all the replies! Sounds like enlarging the hole is the way to go. Terry

GlennBrittain · 12-17-2004, 12:46 AM

I have plans to change my 69 to a later model front end for the disc brakes also. I can get a 73 from a chopped up truck free if I do go this way.I need to decide if this is the route I want to go or buy the disc brake conversion kit that is available from several sources. That is if I get started on mine again, building projects keep gettin in the way. I would like to know if you have any spacers to install to square up the front clip when bolting it on

WILLNIK · 12-17-2004, 02:47 PM

The front cross member I am talking about does not have any spacers that mount to the frame. (There are spacers and shims on the upper control arm studs.) Front clip (sheetmetal) spacers (shims) should be able to be purchased through any of the board vendors.

Terry

12-10-2004, 11:44 PM	#1
WILLNIK Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Newark, NY Posts: 626	? for the experts on the front cross member Probably a dumb question, but here it goes. While installing the new front cross member, the bottom two bolts go through a welded nut on the cross member. (72 1/2 ton 2-wheel drive) These don't line up perfectly, off just enough so I can't get the bolt started. Can I remove the welded nuts and use the lock washers and nuts provided in the stainless kit I bought? Or do I keep adjusting it until the original welded nuts line up? Thanks, Terry __________________ 50 miles west of Syracuse, NY '94 Silverado swb '70 Chevelle '65 Corvette roadster '11 Tahoe (wifes ride)

12-11-2004, 04:35 AM	#2
68LSS1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,191	What year is the crossmember out of? I'd do everything I could to try and get it to work as the last thing you want is a crossmember that is not square to the frame. If I couldn't do that, I'd probably open the holes a little and retain the welded nuts. As far as the structural integrity, there would be nothing wrong with removing the welded nut and installing a lock washer/nut of proper grade either. My aftermarket cossmember is entirely bolted in using SS fasteners also. __________________ '68 Short Step LS1/T56, Hydratech, Fatman Fabrications Stage III, Baer, Hot Rods to Hell, US Body, S&W, etc

12-11-2004, 08:02 AM	#3
WILLNIK Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Newark, NY Posts: 626	68LSS1, Thanks for the reply. The cross member is out of a '72 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive. The frame is a '70 short wheel base frame. I can get two out of the four lined up (one on each side), but the other two are off just enough so I can't get the bolt started. Did GM install these then tack weld them? I will go back today and try again. Thanks again, Terry __________________ 50 miles west of Syracuse, NY '94 Silverado swb '70 Chevelle '65 Corvette roadster '11 Tahoe (wifes ride)

12-11-2004, 08:37 AM	#4
tommygfunk tommy . master of madness Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Brilliant Ohio My own personal Hell! Posts: 139	my swap I put a 87 crosses member and complete suspension and steering into my 67 short step the 4 bolts 2 of what you are speaking I rounder out the holes on the frame. You have more than enough bolts to line up and keep the c/m straight on the frame. Let me know if you need anymore help. The swap was easier than I thought it would be. There is verry little differences between the two c/m’s __________________ The master of all I see in the never-ending madness that is my life. 1967 C10 frame off project [the wife's wedding present] "Lacey" “Only a man so smart can act so stupid!” Tommy G. Funk

12-11-2004, 02:13 PM	#5
Bob Moore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 1,365	Fitting crossmember You might have to leave the three vertical bolts through the frame rails loose until you get the lower 2 horizontal ones started. After you get them started you can go back and forth with the lower ones until all are tight. __________________ 67 C-20 LWB, tilt, speed alert, vac, 454, T400 67 C-10 SWB, factory air with more to follow

12-12-2004, 11:08 PM	#6
WILLNIK Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Newark, NY Posts: 626	Thanks for the replies. Anyone else? Terry __________________ 50 miles west of Syracuse, NY '94 Silverado swb '70 Chevelle '65 Corvette roadster '11 Tahoe (wifes ride)

12-12-2004, 11:40 PM	#7
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	I think what he is talking about is the pieces that bolt to the Xmember & thwe frame. (on the outside of frame where the upper arms connect) I removed the welded nuts & installed lock washers & regular nuts myself. I believe there was a difference in the bolt size. one was 7/16 & the other was 1/2 I think. __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

12-13-2004, 12:07 AM	#8
silvertonguedevil Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Seaside, Oregon Posts: 1,789	I bought a '70 shortbox frame that had no front suspension under it at all and I then slid a '72 rolling cross member under it. I never ran across any welded nuts Did somebody already get rid of them? Attached Images __________________ -Greg My Chevy trucks, past and present: 1962 C10 SB Fleetside 1964 C10 LB Fleetside BBW 1966 C10 SB Fleetside 1966 C10 SB Fleetside BBW 1968 C10 SB Fleetside 1971 C10 LB Fleetside 1971 C10 SB Fleetside 1972 C10 SB Fleetside Cheyenne 1972 C10 SB Fleetside Cheyenne Super 1972 C10 LB Fleetside Cheyenne Super 1974 C20 Cheyenne 1979 K5 Blazer Cheyenne 1982 K10 SB Fleetside Custom Deluxe 1982 K10 SB Fleetside Scottsdale 1986 C10 SB Fleetside Silverado 2008 Silverado 1500 4x4

12-13-2004, 01:45 PM	#9
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	I put a 71 gmc disk brake set up in my '67. I had the exact same problem you did....I worried if I enlarged them I would mess up the front end alignment...after MANY frustrating hours I installed the front two bolts, took measurements for squareness, tightened them down, and enlarged the other two holes. I then rebuilt the entire suspension and disk brake assemblies with ALL new parts. Long story short I was afraid that when I took it in for the alignment they would say it was messed up...but the guy told me I did an excellent job, all he had to do was adjust the camber on the driver side 1/16". Also, the alignment shop was a specailty place here in town that does nothing but alignments and brakes. 6,000 miles on new front end...disk brakes are awesome...NO vibrations, NO unusual tire wear. I say do what I did, be careful, and enlarge them.

12-13-2004, 04:20 PM	#11
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	You guys worry a lot sometimes. I know a guy who used to swap the crossmembers and leave those 2 bolts out rather than worry with grinding the holes. No ill effects were ever noted after driving the trucks for many miles, and the dude eventually grew up and turned out just fine......me! __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-13-2004, 09:33 PM	#13
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	Sounds like a good poll question but I don't think Tex would like us and most of us haven't even met him :p .Oh well Gotta question the sanity of most of us that live on this board!! __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon

12-13-2004, 09:36 PM	#14
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I think I'll just go back over to my welding forum boards now. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-13-2004, 10:38 PM	#15
tommygfunk tommy . master of madness Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Brilliant Ohio My own personal Hell! Posts: 139	call ed at mothertruckers. he helped me swap the 87 to my 67 __________________ The master of all I see in the never-ending madness that is my life. 1967 C10 frame off project [the wife's wedding present] "Lacey" “Only a man so smart can act so stupid!” Tommy G. Funk

12-15-2004, 07:26 PM	#17
WILLNIK Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Newark, NY Posts: 626	Thanks for all the replies! Sounds like enlarging the hole is the way to go. Terry __________________ 50 miles west of Syracuse, NY '94 Silverado swb '70 Chevelle '65 Corvette roadster '11 Tahoe (wifes ride)

12-17-2004, 12:46 AM	#18
GlennBrittain Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Panola County Texas Posts: 401	I have plans to change my 69 to a later model front end for the disc brakes also. I can get a 73 from a chopped up truck free if I do go this way.I need to decide if this is the route I want to go or buy the disc brake conversion kit that is available from several sources. That is if I get started on mine again, building projects keep gettin in the way. I would like to know if you have any spacers to install to square up the front clip when bolting it on



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12-17-2004, 02:47 PM	#19
WILLNIK Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Newark, NY Posts: 626	The front cross member I am talking about does not have any spacers that mount to the frame. (There are spacers and shims on the upper control arm studs.) Front clip (sheetmetal) spacers (shims) should be able to be purchased through any of the board vendors. Terry __________________ 50 miles west of Syracuse, NY '94 Silverado swb '70 Chevelle '65 Corvette roadster '11 Tahoe (wifes ride)

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