I just put a 302 and AOD in my '56. Either had to, or chose to remove the cross member for the 292 and manual transmission I removed. I now need to see some examples of cross members. Will probably make one from scratch. Think I will need something to support the transmission as well as prevent the frame from torqueing. Thanks for any pics and/or advise.

 

As I'm sure you're aware, your new crossmembers should mimic the originals by connecting the top and bottom of the frame rails together to prevent the rails from twisting. Beyond that, it's simply a matter of building them in such a way that they don't interfere with the other workings of the truck, ie; exhaust routing, etc.

 

Im getting ready to make one myself. To add to the above I would make the mount by the cab wings with a drop out so the trans can be removed later without pulling the engine if you ever have an issue.

 

Those are my thoughts also. At first glance it looks like the transmission mount is well back of the cab wings. Wondering if anyone found themselves needing a trans support as well as a cross member. My design skills are limited so I was hoping to just copy someone.

 

I kept the original cross member when we installed a SBF with an AOD. When we discovered that we couldn't take the trans out without pulling the motor we made a drop-out section in the original cross member. It was a PITA working under the truck but we were successful.

 

I suppose in hindsight I wished I had done it that way. My memory is for S*IT these days but it seems like it was in the way when I was trying to remove the rivets it shared with the front suspension hangers. Additionally I recall reading some posts where others thought it was necessary to remove it. Anyways now I have to do something to stop the bleeding.

 

I made this and it bolts back from once it came but doesn't hang down as low as the original. I also made the trans cross member as well.

 

Thanks for the information and especially for the pics. It looks like you left the frame mounted portions of the cross member in tact and fabbed up a bolt on center section. Am I seeing that correctly?

 

Yes you are, sorry , this pic is a bit blurry. I put alignment holes on each side to make it easier to bolt up, without the cross member just the weight of the cab starts to twist the frame rails.

 

John, you sure do beautiful work.

 

You do too Jimmy

 

I removed my stock trans crossmember and I need to gusset the frame and add some more bracing as well.

I used a universal Speedway crossmember for the trans. It bolts in but is not as strong as the stock crossmember.

I hope more people post pics here.