Install cross trans crossmember

[TJ1978]

69 c10 I got the old transmission cross member out..

now the new one is just smidge wide. Some people get lucky and they fall in place.... some Dont.

What is the best course of action here?
Grinding the frame a bit because banging the cross member into place won’t happen. I tried.

The way the old cross member was it was too difficult to angle the new one in while leaving the old one in place.

 

[76zimmer]

how much too wide?
Did the frame bow in after removing the old?
if the frame is bowing in, you could use a bottle jack to push it back out.
You would have to determine if removing some frame material is detrimental to the strength of it, an 1/8” each side shouldn't be a problem, but it looks like you got more than that?

 

[Gentleman Jimmy]

Did you measure the old one to compare the width? If they’re the same width then the bottle jack/ port a power is the way to go. I’ve had to do that before on some full size trucks.

 

[rampage]

how much too wide?
Did the frame bow in after removing the old?
if the frame is bowing in, you could use a bottle jack to push it back out.
You would have to determine if removing some frame material is detrimental to the strength of it, an 1/8” each side shouldn't be a problem, but it looks like you got more than that?

Not all bottle jacks can work horizontally, but he could use a scissor jack.

 

[nvrenuf]

I'm with Dave, chances are the frame moved. The last time I had my tcase out my crossmember was off by 1"-1.5". I stabbed bolts in one side and put a long punch through the crossmember holes and into the frame holes then levered it inline to stab one bolt, after that it went together.

 

[TJ1978]

I don’t understand how to use a scissor jack in this context...

 

[rampage]

I don’t understand how to use a scissor jack in this context...

To spread the frame rails apart. Put scissor jack horizontally between frame rails along with something like a 4x4.

 

[Wes Harden]

Porta power spread the frame, if not to far off. Every time I removed a cross member, from a 67-72 the frame would move. even tring to re-install the cross member just removed.

 

[TJ1978]

If I install it like this it fits fine but if I flip it I can’t get it past the lower frame rail

 

[rampage]

What do the instructions say?
Where’d you get it from?

 

[nvrenuf]

Those pics are so close it's tough to figure out. Are you trying to install it A) under the frame, B) inside the frame on the lower lower or C) inside the frame on the top lip? I would have thought it would go under the frame.

 

[Wes Harden]

Yes what do the instructions say. Might make a difference in drive line angle, depending on how it is installed. How did you measure for drive shaft w/o a cross member installed?
What was wrong with the old one ?

 

[TJ1978]

As usual with these stupid products they come with no directions...

it’s supposed to lay on the frame rail... I googled pictures and nothing


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[TJ1978]

I flipped it.. it’s in..
I’m clocking out for the day...haven’t had beer in over 6 weeks.. I think that ends today

 

[TJ1978]

Which way do the member bolts go?
Threads up or facing down or does it matter

 

[centexk5]

Mine are in the way you have it currently. Bolt head facing the ground.

 

[TJ1978]

Thanks for all your guidance fellow CK5 guys....

 

[rampage]

Yep, with the threads down they could get damaged and make for hard removal.