Re: [ihc] Tom's crossed up? 74-75

[Tom Mandera <tsm1@xxxxxxxxx>]

Joel M Brodsky wrote:

> Tom,
>       From my recollection, I took the rear crossmember out of the truck
> without difficulty, I either was able to twist is so it cleared or I took
I was able to almost get the rear crossmember in place.  It twisted and 
moved about rather easily.  My frame is a little pinched and the bolt 
holes didn't line up, though.

I'll fix that problem with the help of a porta-power tomorrow.

I had a hard time getting the 69-73 *one piece* X-style crossmember out 
though.  Pretend the 74/75 tail 2-piece unit wasn't a 2-piece.  Ugh.

Sawzall.


> the two pieces separate first. For the front crossmember, I've never taken
> it out.  I run it with two bolts or no bolts since it doesn't appear to do
> anything, nor be strong enough to do anything. I've done two transmissions
The bellhousing crossmember went in easily enough with a little coaxing 
from my BFH.

My "under engine" x-member HAS to be in place - it's an integral part of 
the IFS at the moment.

The "good" news about all of this.. I get to pull the engine and tranny 
again when I convert the truck to 4x4 and remove the engine crossmember 
and such.  Joy.


> swap.  If you're looking to take the front crossmember out, I think you're
> hosed.  If you don't need it, cut it, I guess.
The heavier bell crossmember was giving me grief coming out, and I since 
I cut it to finish the removal, I was hoping I wouldn't have to cut the 
cleaned and painted 74/75 x-members I was trying to install, and then 
weld back together in the truck.. :D

Maybe they just improved on the crossmember design in '74 so it could be 
more easily removed and installed over the earlier stuff.

-Tom