New front crossmember questions?

[mikeleeshields]

I have a few questions regarding the front crossmember? I'm assuming the stock front member is just fine and the truck will lay out also. I see the new ones porter built makes, which are sweet, but they aren't truly necessary for sitting the frame on the ground correct?
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[67c10rustbuket]

The front cross member sits 1.5" (approx) lower than the frame rails so the front of the truck wont be on the rails. Also the Porterbuilt Drop Member centers the wheels in the fender, not only for looks but gives you firewall clearance when layed out so you dont have to tub the firewall on big rims. You could "Z" the frame, or "section" the cross member to overcome this with a stock crossmember but then you have to rig up some steering linkage as the upper control arm will interfere with the steering column shaft and the drag link will have poor alignment with the tie rods. The Portebuilt Dropmember uses a Ford style rack and pinion which moves the column shaft inward out of the way of the control arms. The PB DM also locates the wheels and suspension so that you have maximum turning radius at lowered height. I have thought long and hard about this and even being a cheap guy who is quite capable of modifying it myself, The only solution is to do it right with Porterbuilt. I dont have one YET but I will when I get there...That is what I have read and my 2cent anyway. Go PB and you cant go wrong.

[mikeleeshields]

Thanks Dan. That's a good explanation. That is kind of what I have been reading today. It looks like PB parts are the way to go for anything. It will just take some time to save up the moolah. One of these days as you mentioned I will too have some PB goods.
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