TCI Engine Crossmember Help
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Lead Driver
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
TCI Engine Crossmember Help
I just got my TCI tubular engine crossmember. I got the bolt in kit with the flanges. I want to know how the flanges work. It came with 4 spacers that fit the 4 bolts supplied with the kit. I just don't know if the spacers go between the frame and flange or between bolt head and flange (flange is flush with frame rail). For the money I paid for it I thought it would at least come with grade 8 hardware and instructions. Help is REALLY APPREACIATED.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
The flanges are like 7/16 thick. I just don't know what to make of the bolt spacers. The bolts they provided are 4" long that are used to bolt to the frame rail. I'm tempted to just weld the flange at the end of the tube and get new grade 8 bolts. I'm gonna e-mail them today.
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From: Agua Dulce, So. Calif.
Originally Posted by 51dueller
The flanges are like 7/16 thick. I just don't know what to make of the bolt spacers. The bolts they provided are 4" long that are used to bolt to the frame rail. I'm tempted to just weld the flange at the end of the tube and get new grade 8 bolts. I'm gonna e-mail them today.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Adams,CO.
The 7/16" thick spacer belongs on the outside of the frame. The bolts go thru spacer,thru frame and then thru the X-member. The nuts then go on the bolts.
This will keep the bolt heads from tearing thru the frame with twisting and such things as weak spots at the point of mounting. If it were a spacer for boxed frames, then the spacer ( crush tube) would be about 2" thick. However, I just saw a guy use them as spacers after his frame spread out after cutting his OG x-member out .. to each his own.
As far as TCI goes, all the instructions and data suck really bad. All their budget dollars for print materials are spent on colorful ads that show pretty parts. If only we could make Mr. Moss at TCI understand this. You are also better off with FTE members help, since a lot of the TCI stuff is wrong AND misleading anyway.
Good luck to you, and have fun anyway.
This will keep the bolt heads from tearing thru the frame with twisting and such things as weak spots at the point of mounting. If it were a spacer for boxed frames, then the spacer ( crush tube) would be about 2" thick. However, I just saw a guy use them as spacers after his frame spread out after cutting his OG x-member out .. to each his own.
As far as TCI goes, all the instructions and data suck really bad. All their budget dollars for print materials are spent on colorful ads that show pretty parts. If only we could make Mr. Moss at TCI understand this. You are also better off with FTE members help, since a lot of the TCI stuff is wrong AND misleading anyway.
Good luck to you, and have fun anyway.
Last edited by El Cabron; Jul 20, 2004 at 11:45 PM. Reason: TYPO
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
I only have two flanges. The flanges are I think supposed to be welded to the axle tube. It was 36 1/2" long when I got it since it's universal you cut it two fit your frame. I have it cut to the right length but just need to weld the flanges on the ends so I can bolt it in.
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Posting Guru
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From: Adams,CO.
51,You are correct. I know that unit also. I did not realize you had the uni-fit. Just make sure to use a good washer on the bolt and a lock washer on the nut ( or a lock-nut)
However, I do stand by my comments on the lack of instructions from TCI products. E.L.
However, I do stand by my comments on the lack of instructions from TCI products. E.L.
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Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
I finally got an E-mail back from TCI and the spacers are for boxed frames. Now I have a question. How many people with a straight axle suspension box the frame? Aren't these crossmembers for straight axle vehicles because all the IFS's use mounts that mount to the crossmember. Thanks for your help guys . I guess I have some spacers and bolts for my parts bin.
. I guess I have some spacers and bolts for my parts bin.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 288
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From: Agua Dulce, So. Calif.
Originally Posted by 51dueller
I finally got an E-mail back from TCI and the spacers are for boxed frames. Now I have a question. How many people with a straight axle suspension box the frame? Aren't these crossmembers for straight axle vehicles because all the IFS's use mounts that mount to the crossmember. Thanks for your help guys . I guess I have some spacers and bolts for my parts bin.
. I guess I have some spacers and bolts for my parts bin.That is pretty much what I said, I purchased one of these for my 50 f1 street rod b4 I installed the mustang II suspension and without a lot of modification it is not practical and then it would not be a clean install I made some real clean and strong mounts that are attached to the frame/crossmember and boxed portion of the mustang II cross member(that happens to be how the engine placement worked best). the recent truck I picked up came with another of these tubular mounts for use in a straight axle as you say but I am going to again upgrade it to a Mustang II from an extra mustang I got on the hill.
Ed ke6bnl
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