Porterbuilt Crossmember - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rusty Wrenches · 08-01-2012, 01:38 AM

Okay so I dont have porterbuilt's beautiful products in my hands yet but in preparation i am going through my truck slowly and and this truck is going to keep its drivetrain for a while which is a 250/ 3spd originally column but not aftermarket floor setup. My issue is after all my research i've never seen anyone complain about the transmission crossmember being lower than the frame, just the crossmember hence the dropmember inception. Whats my options here? I tried to load photos but my mac is being a douche. any help here would be appreciated. I'll change transmissions if i have to but this truck runs great and has no need for it so if there is a way around this I would prefer it!

Rusty Wrenches · 08-01-2012, 02:21 AM

So after more research I've found maybe that the crossmember I have is strictly for the 3spd truck version specifically? apparently the V8 crossmember holds up the tail like im used to in the 73-87's and what i've got has nothing under the tailshaft. So If I drilled holes on my tailshaft would a v8 trans crossmember work?? Or an automatic trans swap is in order?

SCOTI · 08-01-2012, 06:09 PM

The original 3spd's were pretty short & that's why the tranny's were supported @ the bellhousing vs @ the tailshaft. I would think a custom cross-member could be fabbed or the original one could possibly be re-used w/an adapter between. Optimally, a swap to a later 3spd that has syncronized gearing would be the best as they utilize the same tailshaft type cross-member.

Rusty Wrenches · 08-01-2012, 07:14 PM

Yeah it looks like I could fab up a real simple cross member to hold the tail end up where the V8 or automatic cross members originally came, there are already holes in the frame perfectly straddling the tail shaft area. Ultimately keeping what I have would be awesome but If I were to switch to a different version 3spd say from a car, what's the trans codes or proper nomenclature of those transmissions, so I know what I'm looking at? I don't even know what to label my 3spd. Also out of curiosity, do 200R4's or TH350s bolt right up to these old I6's? Thanks for the insight. Finally got those photos as well...

mike14_07 · 08-01-2012, 09:40 PM

i believe the truck 3 speed tailshafts werent drilled?

**Captainfab** · 08-01-2012, 11:51 PM

The 230/250 and the 292 all have the common Chevy bellhousing pattern. So yes a TH350 or 200-4R will bolt right up.

Rusty Wrenches · 08-02-2012, 12:17 AM

Yeah my tail shaft is not drilled although Im sure I could get it drilled and just fab a simple tail shaft crossmember. That would be the most inexpensive route to drop this thing but it still looks like the trans itself is VERY close to dragging before the frame would, but I've been told the porterbuilt dropmember does raise the engine up slightly?

Another side thought, If I come across and automatic I would prefer to have that anyway, I've read there are some clearance issues with the trans tunnel combined with a dropmember? Thanks for the input! Gears are turning...

SCOTI · 08-02-2012, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty Wrenches

Yeah my tail shaft is not drilled although Im sure I could get it drilled and just fab a simple tail shaft crossmember. That would be the most inexpensive route to drop this thing but it still looks like the trans itself is VERY close to dragging before the frame would, but I've been told the porterbuilt dropmember does raise the engine up slightly?

Another side thought, If I come across and automatic I would prefer to have that anyway, I've read there are some clearance issues with the trans tunnel combined with a dropmember? Thanks for the input! Gears are turning...

A 200R would be ideal; auto w/OD.

creep · 08-02-2012, 03:36 PM

I'm not entirely sure but I believe the Dropmember comes with a tranny crossmember that you might be able to use. Check out DLOE's thread, he's got a Dropmember and an I6.

Rusty Wrenches · 08-02-2012, 07:37 PM

He sure is, sick build too. He is using a 292/200r4 it looks like. Ive never had to mate an autmoatic so Im a little hesitant but I wouldnt rule it out. Thanks for showing me that build, great motivation! (porn)

txinliner · 08-13-2012, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty Wrenches

Yeah it looks like I could fab up a real simple cross member to hold the tail end up where the V8 or automatic cross members originally came, there are already holes in the frame perfectly straddling the tail shaft area. Ultimately keeping what I have would be awesome but If I were to switch to a different version 3spd say from a car, what's the trans codes or proper nomenclature of those transmissions, so I know what I'm looking at? I don't even know what to label my 3spd. Also out of curiosity, do 200R4's or TH350s bolt right up to these old I6's? Thanks for the insight. Finally got those photos as well...

yes they should bolt right in

DLOE65 · 08-13-2012, 12:51 PM

Hey Rusty,
Before I dropped in my 292/2004r combo I had a 250/th350 in it, so yes the auto tranny's will bolt right up, the dropmember will raise the engine up and it comes with a tranny xmember. You will need to switch to a high hump floor section or tub it yourself. Nate has motor mounts for the 250 so you should be good to go if you get the dropmember. Hit me up if you have any questions.

-Derek
Posted via Mobile Device

08-01-2012, 01:38 AM	#1
Rusty Wrenches Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 95	Porterbuilt Crossmember Okay so I dont have porterbuilt's beautiful products in my hands yet but in preparation i am going through my truck slowly and and this truck is going to keep its drivetrain for a while which is a 250/ 3spd originally column but not aftermarket floor setup. My issue is after all my research i've never seen anyone complain about the transmission crossmember being lower than the frame, just the crossmember hence the dropmember inception. Whats my options here? I tried to load photos but my mac is being a douche. any help here would be appreciated. I'll change transmissions if i have to but this truck runs great and has no need for it so if there is a way around this I would prefer it!

08-01-2012, 02:21 AM	#2
Rusty Wrenches Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 95	Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember So after more research I've found maybe that the crossmember I have is strictly for the 3spd truck version specifically? apparently the V8 crossmember holds up the tail like im used to in the 73-87's and what i've got has nothing under the tailshaft. So If I drilled holes on my tailshaft would a v8 trans crossmember work?? Or an automatic trans swap is in order?

08-01-2012, 06:09 PM	#3
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,941	Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember The original 3spd's were pretty short & that's why the tranny's were supported @ the bellhousing vs @ the tailshaft. I would think a custom cross-member could be fabbed or the original one could possibly be re-used w/an adapter between. Optimally, a swap to a later 3spd that has syncronized gearing would be the best as they utilize the same tailshaft type cross-member. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

08-01-2012, 07:14 PM	#4
Rusty Wrenches Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 95	Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember Yeah it looks like I could fab up a real simple cross member to hold the tail end up where the V8 or automatic cross members originally came, there are already holes in the frame perfectly straddling the tail shaft area. Ultimately keeping what I have would be awesome but If I were to switch to a different version 3spd say from a car, what's the trans codes or proper nomenclature of those transmissions, so I know what I'm looking at? I don't even know what to label my 3spd. Also out of curiosity, do 200R4's or TH350s bolt right up to these old I6's? Thanks for the insight. Finally got those photos as well... Attached Images

08-01-2012, 09:40 PM	#5
mike14_07 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Mt. Pleasant, TX Posts: 268	Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember i believe the truck 3 speed tailshafts werent drilled?

08-01-2012, 11:51 PM	#6
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember The 230/250 and the 292 all have the common Chevy bellhousing pattern. So yes a TH350 or 200-4R will bolt right up. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

08-02-2012, 12:17 AM	#7
Rusty Wrenches Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 95	Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember Yeah my tail shaft is not drilled although Im sure I could get it drilled and just fab a simple tail shaft crossmember. That would be the most inexpensive route to drop this thing but it still looks like the trans itself is VERY close to dragging before the frame would, but I've been told the porterbuilt dropmember does raise the engine up slightly? Another side thought, If I come across and automatic I would prefer to have that anyway, I've read there are some clearance issues with the trans tunnel combined with a dropmember? Thanks for the input! Gears are turning...

08-02-2012, 03:36 PM	#9
creep Registered Loser Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Elyria, OH Posts: 1,523	Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember I'm not entirely sure but I believe the Dropmember comes with a tranny crossmember that you might be able to use. Check out DLOE's thread, he's got a Dropmember and an I6. __________________ ((..)) ((0)) '63 GMC lwb, 383, th350, lays frame, genuine patina. The Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=374267 '88 Astro cargo bagged, shaved, phantom grille. SOLD '50 Chevy 2 door sedan awaiting attention. 2014 Silverado Ext cab, 5.3, daily driver.

08-02-2012, 07:37 PM	#10
Rusty Wrenches Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 95	Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember He sure is, sick build too. He is using a 292/200r4 it looks like. Ive never had to mate an autmoatic so Im a little hesitant but I wouldnt rule it out. Thanks for showing me that build, great motivation! (porn)

08-13-2012, 12:51 PM	#12
DLOE65 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 525	Re: Porterbuilt Crossmember Hey Rusty, Before I dropped in my 292/2004r combo I had a 250/th350 in it, so yes the auto tranny's will bolt right up, the dropmember will raise the engine up and it comes with a tranny xmember. You will need to switch to a high hump floor section or tub it yourself. Nate has motor mounts for the 250 so you should be good to go if you get the dropmember. Hit me up if you have any questions. -Derek Posted via Mobile Device



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