What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

K5 Blazer Engine Crossmember Removal Without Pulling Engine

B

Bohemian

Guest
1982 K5 Blazer 350 SBC & TH400

I recently found my engine crossmember broken on passenger side right next to where it was welded previously.

I currently have the engine & transmission on jack stands, so I could remove the motor mounts & ultimately the engine crossmember to weld it off the vehicle cause its broken next to fuel pump and fuel lines and I can do a better job with it off anyway.

Problem at moment is with motor mount Assemblies removed, engine cross member rivets removed, I don't see a way to remove engine cross member without removing engine first.

Has anyone successfully removed a K5 engine cross member without pulling engine or destroying it by cutting it in two?

Thanks in advance.
 
I believe that you have to move it backwards since the frame gets wider that direction, then at some point you would be able to turn it sideways enough to drop it out. So I don't know if you can do it with the engine and oilpan in the way.
 
I speak from personal experience with the ORD crossmember, fits well and can be removed easily when needed. I've had mine out twice so I could pull the oil pan. Soooo worth the money. :waytogo:
 
ChrisPerry said:
I speak from personal experience with the ORD crossmember, fits well and can be removed easily when needed. I've had mine out twice so I could pull the oil pan. Soooo worth the money. :waytogo:
Click to expand...

I ordered the ORD & will be installing it today after I sawzall out the OEM cross member. Since I can't seem to get it out without pulling engine or sawing it in two.

FWIW I've never had any trouble pulling the oil pan off a SBC in a k5 blazer and I never had to remove anything to do it.

I suppose that's the ORD compromise for moving the cross member rearwards from OEM location.
 
ChrisPerry said:
I speak from personal experience with the ORD crossmember, fits well and can be removed easily when needed. I've had mine out twice so I could pull the oil pan. Soooo worth the money. :waytogo:
Click to expand...

Any tips and pictures from your install? And did you also get the ORD competition style motor mounts also?

I did and ORD didn't send anything other than the instructions for cross member, so it's seems they are making the assumption that the installation is self evident and to me it's not.

I'm having trouble finding good pictures of a ORD Crossmember & competition style motor mount install on a k5. Maybe my google fu is Off today.

It also appears one needs a right angle drill to put 7/16-1/2" holes in frame rails, with stubby drill bits & or step drills when engine & front axle is in vehicle.

It seems to me this is something that isn't in everyone's tool boxes, been nice if ORD noted that too.

Finding a good right angle drill on the shelf at home depot, Lowes, sears etc is a nonstarter.

I'm going to lose another week ordering one online & waiting for it.

Thanks in advance.
 
Bohemian said:
Any tips and pictures from your install? And did you also get the ORD competition style motor mounts also?

I did and ORD didn't send anything other than the instructions for cross member, so it's seems they are making the assumption that the installation is self evident and to me it's not.

I'm having trouble finding good pictures of a ORD Crossmember & competition style motor mount install on a k5. Maybe my google fu is Off today.

It also appears one needs a right angle drill to put 7/16-1/2" holes in frame rails, with stubby drill bits & or step drills when engine & front axle is in vehicle.

It seems to me this is something that isn't in everyone's tool boxes, been nice if ORD noted that too.

Finding a good right angle drill on the shelf at home depot, Lowes, sears etc is a nonstarter.

I'm going to lose another week ordering one online & waiting for it.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Is your truck lifted?

Did you put the frame on jack stands and let the axle droop out to get more room there?
 
1977k5 said:
Is your truck lifted?

Did you put the frame on jack stands and let the axle droop out to get more room there?
Click to expand...

Currently, the front of engine & transmission are sitting on jack stands, OEM cross member has now been removed.

In addition, I have a 4" lift & have not dropped the front axle. I have a HOA and I'm doing this on the down low in front of my house.

Short of dropping the front axle I don't see a way to get any kind of drill but a small right angle drill to drill holes in bottom of frame rails directly over top of front axle.

Thanks in advance
 
Yes, I have have their comp motor mounts. Bolted them loosely to the engine, then set it in place, bolted them down to the frame, lastly tighten the block bolts. Pretty easy once you've done it.

As for the crossmember, jacked up the truck, supported the frame, let the axle droop, bolted the tabs to the motor mounts, drilled the holes, and bolted it up. I had a lot of lift in the K5 when I put it in, but did 1 in my buddies K10 with a worn out 6" and it wasn't bad at all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom