The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Transmission bell housing cross member

I am looking at installing a SBC 283/350 and would like to put a 700R4 transmission in it. My question is will I need to remove the old transmission bell housing cross member or can I keep it. I would like to keep it if possible.

Don't totally eliminate that crossmember- - - -it also stiffens the frame at the rear spring mounts. You will probably have to modify it for transmission clearance or fabricate a square tubing crossmember that drops a couple of inches lower than the original.
Jerry

I'm in a similar situation right now.

I'm planning on removing the factory crossmember also. I'm going intall a 6" drop crossmember that bolts to the upright portion of the frame.

The tranmission I'm using doesnt have an inspection cover, so the Engine & trans, has to be pulled as one unit.

Needless to say, the crossmember needs to be removable for that to happen.

Are you going to leave your suspension stock? If you're doing an independant front suspension swap, you can leave the crossmember out.

Local speed shop carries these Trans-Dapt units.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Trans-Dapt/969/6524/10002/-1

I'll need to cut to width, and grind the center pad off.

Whitedog, I am keeping the front suspension stock...for now. I would one day like to upgrade to the IFS. I have that same aftermarket transmission crossmember as a plan-b. I just don't know if a 700R4 will fit in there with the factory crossmember still in place. I have not purchased the transmission yet so I can change types if needed.

I can't really help you that. I'm assuming it's for your 3800. The pre-54 trucks had a different crossmember than my 54 has. It may not be a big issue, taking it out. The 3800 is pretty stout. Since you'll be putting another crossmember a little further back, I don't see a huge issue.

Yes it for my 3800. I am afraid I will just have to get the engine and trans and then just test fit, adjust repeat.

I sent you a PM about your old crossmember.

Larry W.