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Custom SM465 crossmember??

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Project71-5, Mar 25, 2013.

  1. Mar 25, 2013
    Project71-5

    Project71-5 BACON

    Gypsum, CO
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2002
    Messages:
    897
    If all goes well I should be fabbing up a new crossmember this upcoming weekend. I'm installing a SM465 with the 1" Novak Adapter.

    Currently I have this mount for the transmission which bolts to the adapter:
    [​IMG]

    I bolted the transmission to the engine last night and raised it up as high as possible. Even with my 1" body lift, I felt that the new crossmember would end up being way too low for my liking, especially with a skid bolted on.

    Started thinking and came up with this. Using this kit
    http://www.barnes4wd.com/Crossmember-Mounting-Set_p_112.html

    I would weld a plate to the top of the 2 tabs and bolt the plate to the bottom of the frame. Next I would have the crossmember bolt directly to the Novak adapter. I think there are pictures floating around of Warloch's crossmember which is similar.

    I want to make the bushing mounts bolt on because I'm not really confident in my overhead MIG and it isn't much more work.

    Thoughts on all of this? Just shut up and do it? I'm kinda leaning towards option 2 at this point....
     
  2. Mar 27, 2013
    scott milliner

    scott milliner Master Fabricator

    Seattle Wa.
    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2002
    Messages:
    2,361
    I found it easier to modify to original cross member.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Mar 27, 2013
    Project71-5

    Project71-5 BACON

    Gypsum, CO
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2002
    Messages:
    897
  4. Mar 30, 2013
    scott milliner

    scott milliner Master Fabricator

    Seattle Wa.
    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2002
    Messages:
    2,361
    I used the original transfer case mount, in the same location. The transmission mount is standard GM transmission mount. I did have to oval the holes a little. Seems the threaded holes are a little farther apart.
     
  5. Mar 30, 2013
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,466
    Essentially, that is the setup, I made my side brackets and got the bushing setup from MOORE Off Road (I get a lot of fab parts from them). My mounts are inside the rails so it does not stick down on the frame to hang up. They have worked well over the years and I have not hung up on anything (yet).

    I used a slightly different design with the T18s, but then they are smaller, so it was easier (and I was not new with a bender any longer).

    I can get the pics back up if you need me too - work has taken way too much of my time lately.
     
  6. Mar 31, 2013
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Messages:
    4,491
    I would love to see pic of the T18 set up, if they are available. I am thinking of a tubular crossmember for when I put my t18/dana 18 stuff in my 5.
     
  7. Apr 5, 2013
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,466
    I'll dig them up and post a link to my site.
     
  8. Apr 6, 2013
    Project71-5

    Project71-5 BACON

    Gypsum, CO
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2002
    Messages:
    897
    Here is what I came up with:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Bushings and tabs are from this kit
    http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/XMEMKIT.html

    I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. I raised it up so that the carb is level. This gives me about 2" clearance between the top of the transfer case and the floor. Keep in mind that I do have a 1" body lift. Fitting the Overdrive shifter and linkage it going to require some creativity. Clearance is 16" underneath the crossmember.
    [​IMG]

    Firewall clearance
    [​IMG]

    New transmission cover shouldn't be too large
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I still haven't decided what to do about a skid plate but I'll figure something out. If I had a bender, I would have made the crossmember out of a single piece of tube....I might do this later down the road.

    The set of transfer punches that I bought months ago were worth their weight in gold when it came to drilling the holes for the brackets in the frame!
     
    Last edited: Apr 6, 2013
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