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| | | Forums66 Topics128,020 Posts1,055,345 Members48,420 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 119 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 119 | I have a TCI IFS in my '57. The new cross member is welded in and the frame was boxed in the area of the new cross member.
Can I safely remove the old cross-member/motor mount?
(New engine will be a 400hp+ small block.) | | | | | Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,067 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,067 | Those are pretty stiff frames. I don't see why you couldn't remove the old crossmember if you have the new one welded in place. But like you said, you need to support the motor differently it sounds like.
...Or you could leave the old crossmember in there to add stiffness to the frame.
52 GMC 3/4 ton pickup 68 Big Block Vette 68 455 Firebird | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 119 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 119 | Thanks. As a followup, I called Classic Performance in California and they gave the green light to hack it out. I also found a book ("How to Build Tri-five Chevy Trucks" - HPBooks) that removed the cross member after installing the new TCI cross member because it interfered with the rack and pinion unit. Even so, I think I'm going to weld in a 2x4 box between the front frame rails just because. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,756 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,756 | Added weight=slower truck, just depends where your plans are. not much wrong with frame flex if you are still strong enuf.  | | |
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