That rear engine crossmember is right behind the spring perches of the front leaf springs, so yes you need something there for support. You may be able to leave it alone as is without interference. The problem with that route is that once the truck is all together you wouldn't be able to drop the transmission. I learned that the hard way. Its too close to the transmission for my tastes anyway, so I out the center of it, fabricated some drop brackets, lowering it 2 inches so that I could bolt everything together for easy access to the transmission.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
