All Pro XXX x-member woes...

[cokidva]

Great idea, great design and great looking fabrication. Now.. after installing, the only thing I did that differed from stock on location was raising the height of the t-case assembly 1.5". I noticed it increased my driveline vibration and output bearing noise considerably but what truly alarmed me was the MASSIVE increase in energy transfer from the complete drivetrain! starting off in first gear I get a vibration into the cab that threaten to loosen more than bolts!! I checked the clearances to make sure that nothing was touching (exhaust, frame rail, body) and I'm clear all the way around.

It seems the bushing set-up may be a little too rigid. replacing the bushings with rubber bushings instead of poly? I do need to replace the left out frame/body bushings the PO removed when installing the 3" Body Lift I cut down and I'm certain that will help but I know it with change a small percentage.

My set-up includes a dual case, 1" body lift, and an annoying glass-pack that will soon meet it's demise!!

Does anyone have this cross member or the Marlin clocked version? If so is the added vibration/energy transfer normal for this application?

 

[rockrash]

The vibration you might be feeling is most likley the bushings.I have a couple of friends that run their own cross member setups and they have bad vibs to. Not it the drive line it self but just the harsh urithane bushing causing the vibrations. Did you change your driveline angle at all. Did you raise the back uo the t-case up,also what type of toy are dealing with 4runner,or pickup lb,sb or ext cab.

 

[cokidva]

Std Cab

Standard Cab, Raised the back of the Transfer 1.5" so I could still have plenty of room for the disc e-brake. Vibration is from 0mph through what-ever. The driveline vibration increase was expected but the combustion transfer was WAAAAY more than expected. 85 reg. cab with a bobbed bed (was sb less 8" now)

 

[rockrash]

Are you running a cv driveshaft or a regular driveshaft. If you are not running a cv then that could be alot of your driveline vibration.The energy tranfer has got to be the bushings its just nature of the bushing not much can be done unless you can find ruber spring bushings the same size. Its just that everything is rigid now there is nothing to soak up the vibes. Like I said in my last post I have a couple friends that use the urithane bushings for their t-case mounts also. Its like a Harley the worlds largest vibrater the girls will love it the vibes .

 

[cokidva]

Not a CV but that's not a problem, i have a Doner 87 turbo I can snake the front DS from. The DS shop that has to balance/tube it for me is two hours away and closed on weekends so I'll take the measurements now that the dual case and x-member is done and ship it over to the shop for the upgrade. I had to do that on the last rig too. I'll hunt down some rubber grommets and play around with densities, no fun when the chic is the only one having fun!! Thanks Rock Rash.

I'll post back after finding out if the changes are working.

cheers!

 

[RECON]

I have that crossmember as well and haven't been real happy with it. Be sure and check the gap on either side of the brake pads! When I first set mine up the pad was too tight against one side and it ground it way down. Stupid parking brake, that I was so excited for, never has worked right since! I also experience some serious cab vibration and never considered that it may be from that XXX Member. Just figured that my junk gets beat too hard! HA!

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I've been thinking about ordering the Budbuilt crossmember and skid plate. I haven't heard of this problem with it. Maybe because it uses the OEM transfer case mounts?

I went to the All Pro website and can't seem to find their crossmember. Anyone have a direct link?

 

[cokidva]

http://www.allprooffroad.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=18

I had Bud's x-member and it had no vibration but you are correct in thinking that it's because it mounts just like the OEM cross member. I did get a drive-line vibration in that rig too though but I installed everything from the 4" SAS to the single 4:7 marlin case. If using the budbuilt crossmember raises your TC then you may need to CV the driveshaft like rockrash mentioned above.

 

[knixen]

I am installing one in a few weeks, I will post an update afterwards.

 

[cokidva]

OK, so here's the skinny on my install so far...

Raised the Transfer case assembly (Dual case) about 1.5" before installing the mounting tabs. This increased bearing noise and driveline Vibration dramatically. Easy solution to this: CV rear Drive Shaft.

The only other issue is the cab/body vibration from the engine/transmission. There are two things I'm going to try: First replacing with some cushy rubber bushings on the mounting arms... still trying to track those down... Second~replacing the missing body bushings which should help a small amount. After that there's really nothing I can do except completely change the mounting design on their cross member.

I installed the disc brake portion last night.. I like the way it works but I'm definitely going to keep my eyes on it for wear per Recon

Install wise... tools needed to do my Budbuilt last year: socket set and I grinded a little more clearance for the front ds. Tools for the allpro XXX piece: socket set, pry bar, grinder (sawzall to get rid of original ebrake stuff in front of the gas tank) welder, custom made tool to hold the flange while releasing the huge dented nut with a breaker bar (we all have made one at some time) to get the disc on ... and a few band aids (electrical tape and paper towels actually)

I like this design bette than standard high profile cross members but it takes more time and effort. Also if I had to do it all over again I would get the Marlin clocked version and clocked adapter. We can always use more clearance!!