Manual to Auto Tranny Crossmember Question

[the67Beast]

I am swapping from the original 3-speed manual to a 700R4 automatic. Is there any way to use the existing manual crossmember for the swap? I know this original sits further up the frame and there may be some angle/ alignment issues with moving it further back. I've already pulled it off the frame and restored it. Or maybe I just put the original on the shelf and buy one of those tubular crossmembers from POL or CPP. Thoughts??

[Accelo]

I would measure the frame rails and see it they are the same height that far back. I believe you could use it if it fits. Might be low but a spacer would take care of that. The down side would be exhaust clearance and road clearance. Especially if it's a lowered truck.

A couple options if you decide to purchase one;

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...er&_sacat=6028

https://www.ebay.com/itm/40296240820...oAAOSwWj9g1Jbu

[Palf70Step]

Far as I remember the manual 3-speed (and I believe the 4 speeds) had no trans cross member. The bell housing was the rearmost cross member. But with the one pictured, you should just have to slide it back, drill new holes in frame and it is good.

[Grumpy old man]

If the cross member you have is a stock V8 manual trans truck there's no way it will slide back in the frame to use a auto trans , It won't fit due to the angle of the brackets to the frame and a auto trans rear mount would be at an angle . here's a pic of a auto cross member , You can see the difference .

[the67Beast]

Yes mine is a stock v8 truck. Thanks for posting the photo of the original auto crossmember. I’ll have to locate one or buy one of the aftermarket versions.

[Grumpy old man]

Another option is the 73 ^ auto trans cross member , Probably easier to find and a pretty easy bolt in . Also they have a higher exhaust clearance to keep the pipes tucked . I used one of these as a rear mount cross member for my 4 speed trans after a little modification .

[BigBird05]

I have one if you think you will be needing one.

[Furno68C20]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Another option is the 73 ^ auto trans cross member , Probably easier to find and a pretty easy bolt in . Also they have a higher exhaust clearance to keep the pipes tucked . I used one of these as a rear mount cross member for my 4 speed trans after a little modification .

Grumpy - what trans is under the bag? muncie 4spd? just wondering b/c im planning on doing a 3 speed converted to v8/m20.

[Grumpy old man]

A Muncie M-22 using a drivers side speedometer tail case , With a Hurst Competition plus shifter . Hurst makes a shifter just for the Muncie conversion to fit our trucks