Topic: X-member compatability question

[RogueDogg]

In my 85 I'm swapping the auto out for the R151F 5 speed turbo and I noticed when I took down my X-member and unbolted it from auto tranny the "rubber" was seperated from the steel on one side, assuming this is a bad thing *(I'm pretty sure it's not suppose to be like that)* What year(s) tranny mounts would be compatible with my swap. I have a 1985 4x4 p/u std cab long bed taking out the auto tranny and putting in the R151F 5 speed turbo. Any help would be great, makes finding the part much easier.

Thanks,
Brian "ROGUEDOGG" Ford

[dan_b]

You will need to change the x member and mount to match the trans. The auto and manual x members are shaped differently.
hope this helps.


DAN

[RogueDogg [OP]]

Dan it looks like all I needed to do is just change the tranny mount and the X-member looks like it'll work just fine. I haven't bolted everything up but just eyeing it with the tranny lifted into place it looks good. Just thought I'd let ya know and I'll keep ya posted when it's completly in so.... Thanks for the info....


Brian "ROGUEDOGG" Ford

[BigMike]

Hey Brian,

Your auto trans has a chain drive t/case which uses a different style mount to begin with. Also I have no idea as to length comparasions with the R151F + gear drive to a auto + chain drive as to where the cross member mounts...

Here's what you need as far as mounts go:
1979-1995 all 4cyl 5spd 4WD crossmember mounts will work. Try to find one from the 86-95' range for the actual rubber is a bit wider and hence stronger.

Now for your crossmember you will need to find on from a simular year as your truck as I believe 79'-81' frames were about 3/4" narrower.

Now where to mount it might be off from where your chassis mounts it, so one good and clean way around this is use square u-bolts (like factory ones) and use them to position your crossmember anywhere the hell you like it.  :talking: no welding no drilling etc. except for maybe getting the crossmember's bolt pattern to accept the u-bolts.

Marlin has this on his rig and I will take some pics of it later.

Cya,
BigMike

[BigMike]

Marlin has this on his rig and I will take some pics of it later.

Here's the pics - note the factory mount just in front of where Marlin has his movable u-bolt mount at. I suppose he need to torch or grind it off since he doesn't use it  

See how the u-bolts are able to be positioned anywhere on the frame without it being welded down permanently.

Regards,
BigMike

[Boomer]

:b_s:The Crossmember will line up in the stock location
and get yourself a new mount from an '84-'95 truck. You should be right on the money!
       

[RogueDogg [OP]]

Thanks guys for all the info, I almost have the tranny in and we'll see how she lines up from there. If it lines up GREAT if not THANKS for the pic of the X-member setup that Marlin has. I have the extra ubolts to do that setup as well.

Thanks,
Brian "ROGUEDOGG" Ford

[BigMike]

:change:


Hey Boomer, you think you're smarter than me? :monkey: you can :-* my !

-BigMike

[RogueDogg [OP]]

K just to let everyone know....The stock X-member for my 85 auto worked, all I had to do is change out the tranny mount, which ironically enough I got from a junk yard by mistake, I thought I needed one like the 85 auto and ended getting the "wrong one" but it was actually the one I needed so it all worked out in the end. Don't aske me what year it's from cause I have no idea all I know is it's smaller than the auto tranny mount and it bolted right up to the R151F and the X-member.   ;D

Brian "ROGUEDOGG" Ford

[BigMike]

Damnit Boomer, ya got me this time :.order: but I will have my revenge.. 8)


Hey Dogg, good deal!

Regards,
BigMike