Need help moving the transmission mounting brackets in 2wd to 4wd swap

[Seoirse]

I was thinking I would cut the off the frame. Drop engine and transmission in. Bolt the crossmember and supports to the transmission and jack it up until the supports touch the frame and weld in place.

Is this a bad idea?

 

[thegipper]

Sounds like a solid plan to me.

 

[phattyduck]

Yup, reasonable plan. I had a parts truck and used the frame horns and crossmember from the 4WD truck. The 4WD crossmember is slightly different but the frame horns are the same, just welded on in a different location. In a pinch, the 2WD crossmember could be modified to work with the 4WD transmission mount (I believe you only have to remove a couple weld nuts).

You can see how far the crossmember needs to be moved in this picture:

-Charlie

 

[Seoirse]

Yup, reasonable plan. I had a parts truck and used the frame horns and crossmember from the 4WD truck. The 4WD crossmember is slightly different but the frame horns are the same, just welded on in a different location. In a pinch, the 2WD crossmember could be modified to work with the 4WD transmission mount (I believe you only have to remove a couple weld nuts).

You can see how far the crossmember needs to be moved in this picture:

-Charlie

Awesome. That makes me feel better. Putting the engine and trans in this weekend. Man I hope it runs

 

[Seoirse]

Yup, reasonable plan. I had a parts truck and used the frame horns and crossmember from the 4WD truck. The 4WD crossmember is slightly different but the frame horns are the same, just welded on in a different location. In a pinch, the 2WD crossmember could be modified to work with the 4WD transmission mount (I believe you only have to remove a couple weld nuts).

You can see how far the crossmember needs to be moved in this picture:

-Charlie

Is your 2wd crossmember currently being bolted to something?

 

[phattyduck]

Is your 2wd crossmember currently being bolted to something?

In that picture, the 4WD crossmember is welded in place, unused, and the 2WD transmission is still in place. It was in the middle of my 4WD swap. I did it in multiple steps (front diff and crossmember installed one day, then transmission swap and shifter mods a few weekends later, then wiring after that).

-Charlie