Need Help

[winchster]

I have searched every forum known to man, but I can't find it.

I have a '78 K5. I am looking for a beefed up or aftermarket version of the very front crossmember on the frame. The one next to the steering box. I've found several versions of the engine crossmember but apparently I don't know what to call the one I'm looking for.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Fordum]

I know you said cross member, not frame, but I want to check and be sure you are not talking about the plate that goes under the steering box to fix cracks where the box mounts.
If not, and you don't get an answer after a day or so, try re-posting with a slightly more descriptive title.
If it exists, I guarantee you someone here knows about it. You just need to make sure that the right person reads your post.

J.

 

[winchster]

No, I'm talking about the full crossmember piece that fits between the frame rails. It has the proportioning valve mounted to it, and the sway bar brackets. It fits between the frame rails directly in line with the steering box. ORD sells a brace that you bolt to it to brace the steering box.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I have searched every forum known to man, but I can't find it.

I have a '78 K5. I am looking for a beefed up or aftermarket version of the very front crossmember on the frame. The one next to the steering box. I've found several versions of the engine crossmember but apparently I don't know what to call the one I'm looking for.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Is there some reason why you want a beefy crossmember in that location? I don't know of anyone that makes one but Kert @ www.DIY4X.com will usually make just about anything so you might contact him.

 

[winchster]

Is there some reason why you want a beefy crossmember in that location? I don't know of anyone that makes one but Kert @ ***********will usually make just about anything so you might contact him.

I figured that a beefier crossmember would solve the frame flex at the steering box. Give me a better mount for the sway bar brackets, and tie the front of the frame together a little better. That's all.
I'm using the chassis under my '49 and will be contacting the guys at DIY4x for a modified version of his B52 spring hanger. I need the spring hanger minus the core support mount.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I figured that a beefier crossmember would solve the frame flex at the steering box. Give me a better mount for the sway bar brackets, and tie the front of the frame together a little better. That's all.
I'm using the chassis under my '49 and will be contacting the guys at DIY4x for a modified version of his B52 spring hanger. I need the spring hanger minus the core support mount.

Nothing is going to "solve" the GM frame flex short of boxing the front section of frame rail. I wouldn't worry about that crossmember but i would recommend you install both steering box braces and throw the sway bar away (unless you have some super soft front springs).

 

[winchster]

Ok, so maybe a dumb question. Why lose the swaybar?

 

[4X4HIGH]

Ok, so maybe a dumb question. Why lose the swaybar?

There really isn't any noticeable difference with it off UNLESS you have some super soft front springs so rather than deal with sway bar disconnects for wheeling just ditch the bar completely. One less thing to worry about AND you lose a little weight doing so.

If you ever go with crossover steering it will have to go anyways as you can't run a factory swaybar when running crossover steering.

 

[winchster]

I am going to have to have new springs all the way around I think. My stock ones, both front and back, are just about arched the wrong way. I can't imagine what the fronts will look like with the engine installed.

 

[4X4HIGH]

If the springs are stock still the fronts are negative arch from the factory.

 

[winchster]

If the springs are stock still the fronts are negative arch from the factory.

So my "total" lift with new 2 1/2" springs will be further than 2 1/2"?????

 

[4X4HIGH]

So my "total" lift with new 2 1/2" springs will be further than 2 1/2"?????

Lift springs have a positive arch unlike the factory springs. If you buy a 2 1/2" lift spring theoretically it will lift the truck 2 1/2". There are variables though such as any added wieght to the vehicle will reduce the amount of lift from FACTORY. Basically, if you were to take a measurement right now at any given point and then install a 2 1/2" lift spring without adding any weight such as a new heavy duty front bumper once you install the springs it will sit 2 1/2" taller if you take another measurement in the exact same place as you previously did.