I've been looking at the motor as it sets in the frame and considering my options.
The path I'm pursuing is to remove the cab so I can play with motor and trans location with out hitting the floor and firewall, and I can better see the interference with the frame and crossmembers. I already marked firewall and toeboard/floorboard locations on the frame.
I've decided I'd rather modify the floor and firewall to deal with a higher motor than modify crossmembers. So I'll get the motor located where the frame, crossmembers and exhaust manifolds all look workable. Then evaluate what that would do to the cab.
If that approach does not produce a satisfying result I have a fall back approach in mind.
Remove the entire stock front suspension including that troublesome crossmember and use the IFS from a '72 Chevy C20. I'd really prefer to go IFS anyway, and a disk brake conversion is definitely part of the plan anyway. The IFS approach creates width issues, so its not been my first option. But going that route does solve the crossmember issue, while adding power steering and disk brakes.
And the crossmember I have came from a big block truck, so its already sprung for more weight than my Caddy motor.
So that is where my head is. It will be the weekend before I do anything significant on the project, but your comments and thoughts are sure welcome in the meantime.
