Tranny crossmember doesnt line up

[chris672]

I put a 5spd tranny and t-case from an 85 carb truck into my 81 that originally had a 4sd.  The crossmember is farther back than the old crossmember holes.  Do I need to make brackets so that I can bolt up the new crossmember or do should I buy a new crossmember?  If I need a new crossmember, should I wait until I get my dual case setup done?

[BigMike]

What you can do is use some smaller U-Bolts to mount your stock (or aftermarket) crossmember in place.

Here's what Marlin is using on his 1980 with tripple cases:


Its much eaiser than having to worry about relocating and lineing it all up.

Cya
BigMike

[Cracker]

Yes, the 2nd gen trannies are just shy of 5" longer than your 4spd.
You're also going to have to make driveline changes.

If you're SURE you're gonna get dual cases, you can still get certain aftermarket dual crossmembers that come with a little kit so you can still run single case with the dual case crossmember.

I think Marlin sells them somewhere on his website..

[chris672]

you can still get certain aftermarket dual crossmembers that come with a little kit so you can still run single case with the dual case crossmember.

I think Marlin sells them somewhere on his website..

You have one of those Mike?

[drybone]

I had the same problem, it's a good thing for all us early model (79-83) truck owners that Marlin has a early model.

Call Marlin and order the U-bolts, they don't cost much and if you plan on going with dual cases and let's say a Budbuilt x-member :up: :up:  down the road, You'll need the U-bolts anyway,  

Or maybe talk with Dave or anyone who answers, Marlin is pretty busy.  Good Luck.

I'm not sure what kit they have, but I believe you can run a Budbuilt with a single t-case,  however the Budbuilts were made for 84 and up trucks.  You have to widen one side of the X-member to make it fit in the earlier trucks.  I had a welder scab in the piece and it looks great,  I know Marlin had to do the same thing with his Budbuilt  (He's the one who told me)

[Cracker]

Whoaa.....

Bud now makes bolt on xmembers that fit 1st gens with no mods necessary, and you dont need the ubolts with them either. They bolt into the original mounts with thestock bolts.

The "kit" you need to run a single case with a dual case xrossmember is just a couple of small bolt-in spacers.

When you finally go with dual cases, you just pull the spacers out.