t-case x-member upgrade

[6872xtc]

So I noticed between a couple of members here that the frame rail flange can get crushed upwards and the factory crossmember can get bent as well.

I am wondering if it is possible to tie the factory piece to the side of the frame in order to help out , or what other ideas are there?

I have been thinking about this because class 8 trucks don't have any holes or welding done to the flanges of the frame rail. Would this benefit out little frames?

@82355 @500$k5

What are your thoughts ?

 

[Truckman4life]

That's how a lot of the fords do it. They bring the cross member all the way around the outside of the frame and bolt it through the side. I'm guessing with a little bit of work a Chevy cross member could be modified to come around the side pretty easily.

 

[6872xtc]

I remembered seeing stuff like that on trucks. I believe that I saw one on a C20 with just one end one the flange, the other on the side.

I was wanting to see if anyone had built one to reinforce the flange mounting while keeping factory dimensions.

I am wondering if a completely custom crossmember is the best bet, in order to tie in to the side of the frame, while strengthening the crossmember itself.

 

[Truckman4life]

Bracing the lower flange to the upper flange would help a lot also to spread the load so that the lower flange doesn't get bent. Kinda like maybe boxing in that 6" section where the crossmember is so that you can still get in there to do the nuts and bolts or something.

 

[6872xtc]

I remember the 67-72 trucks having the crossmember tied to both upper and lower flanges, but I was thinking that if there weren't holes in the upper flange, it would be easier to drill into the side of the frame, rather than the upper flange.

 

[diesel4me]

The '79 C-10 Bonanza I had,used a transmission crossmember with one side that bolted to the side of the rail on one side,the other bolted to the upper and lower frame rail lips...

I recall my '77 GMC K2500 having a crossmember like the earlier 4x4's used like my '72 K5 and '71 GMC K1500 had,those had brackets riveted to the member that bolted to the upper frame rail lips and the member itself bolted to the bottom lip...I saw many like that,that had the rivets removed and bolted together,or the brackets left off completely,they were a pain to get the upper bolts into the frame--or off,after years of rust..

 

[fastazz81]

My 81 c 10 also had a crossmember like that