Rear crossmember (1 Viewer)

[jccruiser78]

I am restoring my 78`40.I have my sbc,SM465 and a plate(.75 thick)adapter to a 72 3 speed case.I have bought the AA rear transfer case mount setup.Will I have to remove my stock rear tubular crossmember?Also how will my driveshafts hook up?The reason I am asking is that I have the cruiser down to the bare frame-and I am trying to do all the demo/welding before I put it back together.I figure that the only thing that I cant weld on is the rear crossmember mounts,because I dont know my length yet.Thanks for any input!!!!!

 

[hammerhead]

Is your frame all stock or did it already have an SBC?

 

[Poser]

Depending on where you end up placing the engine, will dictate the removal of the tubular rear crossmember. I am installing a 350/th350/Cruiser t-case in a '64. I am setting the tub on, and setting up the drivetrain. Will take a little more time, but will end up being very clean. If you are not in a hurry, I think that this is the way to go, but that also depends on space, facility, and availability of helpers...

Just my two cents.

Setting a tub on, and bolting it up is not that big of a deal, and then you WOULD KNOW where everything is going to be in relationship to YOUR project.

Good luck!

Got any pics?

 

[jccruiser78]

My cruiser was all stock.I have allready installed a shackle reversal and a saginal power steering box mount.I have(but not installed)AA motor mounts.

 

[hammerhead]

In our stables we have both a 74 and a 78 with SBC and both still have the stock tubular crossmember. I have the AA motor mounts welded in 10 inches behind the shock mount. I would recommend bolting your whole drivetrain together and doing a "mock-up" in the frame. There are so many variables that even AA won't give much info as far as measurements go.

 

[jccruiser78]

Hammerhead-you are right,AAdoes not help much.They say set the centerline of the motor mounts 8 -12 inches from the shock tower.So all I can safely weld for now is my frame plates that go under the "L" mounts.I think I am going to do my SOA first,so I can set the body back on(temp)then I can position the motor where I like it.But I bet the mounts will be 10 inches centered from the shock tower(seems like the average.Does anybody know about how to modify my drivelines easily from 72 tc to 78 axles?

 

[hammerhead]

Mine is crossbred too. I just used the apropriate upper half. The slip joints are the same spline so use the 72 part.

 

[dinkleberry]

My SBC convert still has the crossmember.

 

[theo]

I have the 5" AA spud shaft adaptor so my drive train is longer than yours. Stock crossmember still in place.

Also, I welded the motor mounts and backing plates in with just the radiator out and the front bib folded down. Fenders on. If I were you I'd leave the crossmember alone and wait until you have the body together before doing anything with motor mounts.