Topic: Front crossmember questions/ help needed....

[4stair]

ok i have a 1980 shortbed 4x4... i followed the instructions, measured twice cut once and welded it all up...

so anyway my aftermarket front crossmember looks goofy... i need some pics of factory/aftermarket front crossmembers. i was told that the 80's dont have the two mounts/bolt holes on the front of the factory crossmember, is this true? because mine does, could i have an older frame under my truck?

[Mnmstoy]

...

The two holes are for the front bumper on the cross member. Although, my truck is dove tailed from front/rear....the cross memeber is still stock.
Mike

[4stair [OP]]

ok now my question is, since that is exactly what my crossmember looks like.

i moved my marlin one forward the 1inch that i was supposed to for the new springs and now i have a big ass gap between it and the stock crossmember. is this normal?

[Mnmstoy]

Did you cut your old hangers off flush with the chassis? You can see how it has a curve on the ends of the hanger. I plan to cut mine soon...and them curves are getting cut out...so that my drop hanger sits more flush with the chassis with very little gap between the cross member and my drop hanger. If need be I will add some flat stock between the two if I feel I can't weld the two together along the front and rear of it. Guess, you can say the flat stock would be a filler for the two to get welded up. That may be what you have to do.
But, I say post up a pic to see what you are working with.
Mike

[4stair [OP]]

i cut it off flush with bottom of the outside frame rail, then moved it forward the 1 inch they recomend. it just looks really goofy compared to everyone elses. i will have to get a pic when i can get back to the garage.

[4stair [OP]]

ok i got the springs on tonight and it looks ok now... my shackle is vertical with weight on it on the brand new springs so i should be good to go... i am gonna make some braces from the stock cross member to the marlin one instead of just welding the two together.