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The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/index.php)

- 4x4 Projects and Builds (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/forumdisplay.php?f=141)

- - Crash's 69 K10 (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=494599)

Crash_OK

01-18-2012 05:43 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Crash_OK

01-20-2012 01:44 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Tuesday I received the x-member from Pacific Fabrication. This was needed due to the 5.3L not fitting into my factory x-member. The x-member arrived at my house in perfect condition. All the pieces were wrapped in corrugated cardboard. The x-member appeared to be powder coated with a very nice black finish. All the bolts were high quality grade 8 bolts. The welds looked very nice and the clam shell motor mounts look like a high end piece.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1160126.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1160127.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1160128.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1160129.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1160130.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190146.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190147.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190148.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190149.jpg

Installation – Installation is straight forward. Position the x-member into proper position, drill holes, and mount.. Obviously, there is more to it than that. The installation sheet states that the x-member is designed to be mounted with the motor out of the way. Basically, you remove the factory x-member, and then install the new Pacific Fabrication x-member. Mock the engine into place to determine the proper location for the x-member. After the position has been determined remove the engine, mark the location for the x-member to frame bolts, and then drill the 8 holes required to mount the x-member. Bolt the x-member to the frame and you are ready to swing the engine into place.

I decided not to follow that course. I installed the x-member with the engine in place and supported with a cherry picker. This made the installation difficult, but it is still very doable. I did run into some issue with my install due to my use of a 4L60e instead of the factory TH350. This required my engine to be moved forward 1.875 inches. Moving the engine forward allowed me to leave the transfer case in the stock location. This in turn allows me to use the stock drive shafts with no modification.
Moving the engine forward caused me to have to make a couple of modifications to the install. On a normal install the front of the x-member would slide right up to the rivets holding the front bump stops in place. In my case I had to remove the bump stops to get the x-member in the correct position (1.875” forward of stock). This would have been a 5 minute job with the engine out of the way, it took me a little longer.. maybe 20 minutes. The second modification was drilling the mounting holes from the outside of the frame instead of the inside. I needed to do some measuring and marking to transfer the bolt locations to the outside of the frame. Another issue that really turned into a non-issue is that the frame narrows as you move forward in the x-member area. This makes the x-member fit a little tighter than normal (due to moving the engine forward). It really wasn’t a big issue after the rivets to the bump stops were removed.
Other items to note.. The x-member is notched on the passenger side for brake lines and fuel line. I went ahead and removed my brake lines to easy the installation, I believe it could be done without removing the lines.

Below are some pictures of the x-member and installation.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190150.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190151.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190152.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190153.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190154.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190155.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190156.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190157.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190158.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190159.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190160.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190161.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...ct/P1190162jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190163.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190164.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190165.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190166.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190167.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190168.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190169.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190170.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190171.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...t/P1190172.jpg

The entire installation took me about 3 hours. It could have been done in half of that time on the stock length transmission and following the manufactures recommendation on removing the engine.

Conclusion – I would/will purchase this item in the future. It is very well designed and constructed. As I mentioned before, the item was well packed and delivered very quickly. I considered building my own, but by the time you included, the grade 8 bolts, the clam shell motor mounts, the ¼” plate material, and the time it would take to do the fabrication, I believe a person would be far ahead purchasing this from Pacific Fabrication.
I highly recommend this item.
Let me know if you have any specific questions on the x-member or the install.

Crash_OK

01-20-2012 10:01 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

mcbassin

01-21-2012 01:51 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Whoa Mark! You are moving so fast I can't keep up with the progress. I like the new cross member. It looks like your wiring fell right into place. You have done your homework on this build. Keep the updates coming.

mud.man.rj

01-21-2012 02:46 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Sat here and looked at your complete build so far, very nice work and a lot of head scratching, good luck on the part you don't like, the bodywork. I'm sure it will turn out like the rest of your build. Good work.

Crash_OK

01-22-2012 10:41 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Crash_OK

01-22-2012 12:47 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbassin (Post 5136163)

Thanks Mike.. I am trying to get caught up with you.. :-)

Crash_OK

01-22-2012 12:48 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj (Post 5136230)

Thanks... I hope so....

mud.man.rj

01-22-2012 03:27 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Looking better and better, what size exhaust are you running, lots of room for it. I have 3" on my 71 4x4, pretty tight in some places but works, need it for the Big block. Nice temp, here it is -17c on a warm day, was -36c last week for almost 3 days, rather rough. it's getting closer to spring though.

Crash_OK

01-22-2012 04:23 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj (Post 5138879)

2 1/4" is what is on there now.. I will go with 2 1/2" when I take it to the muffler shop... The weather here has been very mild.. It was 68 Friday...

tsnow678

01-23-2012 04:38 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

I will start my resto on my 72 K10 SWB stepside within the next month or so and wanted to thank you for posting so many pics. They surely take the guess work out of alot that I want to do to mine. Keep the pics a coming!!! Great work and awesome truck!!!

Crash_OK

01-23-2012 05:06 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsnow678 (Post 5141159)

Thanks... Sometimes I worry that I post to many pictures... Hope what I have done so far helps..

mcmlxix

01-24-2012 05:42 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Nice work. Lost of good and detailed information.

mcbassin

01-24-2012 09:11 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash_OK (Post 5141210)

Thanks... Sometimes I worry that I post to many pictures... Hope what I have done so far helps..

You can never have too many pictures. We are guys, we need visuals :metal:
Nice progress Mark! All the custom hard lines look better than factory.
Diggin the dobber exhaust too.

Crash_OK

01-24-2012 05:50 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcmlxix (Post 5142466)

Nice work. Lost of good and detailed information.

Thanks....

Crash_OK

01-24-2012 05:51 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbassin (Post 5142571)

You can never have too many pictures. We are guys, we need visuals :metal:
Nice progress Mark! All the custom hard lines look better than factory.
Diggin the dobber exhaust too.

True..... Thanks for the comment on the lines.. I am not 100% happy with them, but they will work... ;)

tsnow678

01-24-2012 05:57 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

On the frame you used POR15, can you spray it or do you have to brush it? Are you happy with the results? It seems as if that paint offers a good long lasting protection, just not wanting to brush it if possible. I have used a brand called "Master Series" before with much success just havent used POR15. Your comments will be greatly appreciated.

Crash_OK

01-24-2012 06:02 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsnow678 (Post 5143461)

I brushed it on.. it self levels as it dries. I believe others have sprayed it on with success. I am very pleased with POR15. I did have some runs, but that was due to me getting in a hurry. It creates a very strong bond to the metal. I had to remove the bump stops on my truck and I think the POR15 was holding them tighter than the rivets.

tsnow678

01-24-2012 07:47 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash_OK (Post 5143473)

Thanks a ton! I went out to my 72 today and give it the once over. Sort of preparing on how its gonna get tore down and such and what needs to be fixed. Man you are way ahead of me for sure. I have a few projects in the works right now so the truck is at least a month out on the tear down. I have a 408LS engine being built right now for the 69 Camaro, once that is in I am full force on the truck. Your thread is giving me the itch to start but after a few projects I have learned to do one at a time or nothing will get accomplished. Thanks for being an inspiration and keep the pics a coming!!!

Crash_OK

01-24-2012 08:10 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsnow678 (Post 5143696)

Thanks tsnow..... I have started looking for a 1st gen Camaro for my next project... I am sure this project will last another few months.. but it is never to early to start looking...

Good luck on finishing up your current project and moving forward on the 72.

Crash_OK

01-26-2012 06:16 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Wiring -

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...seandRelay.jpg

VA72C10

01-26-2012 06:28 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Frame is looking great! Nice work!

Crash_OK

01-27-2012 07:48 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by VA72C10 (Post 5147593)

Frame is looking great! Nice work!

Thanks... Soon I will have to start on the cab.... wish me luck..

mcbassin

01-27-2012 08:49 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash_OK (Post 5147574)

Wiring -

Nice work on the wiring diagram. You know you're going to have to show me how to do my fans. Thanks again for the O2 sensor connector and install:metal:

wrwelton

01-27-2012 10:00 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

I am very impressed. How many builds have you done? I am in the process of my second restoration, but I can tell you know what you are doing. Just the idea of installing a LS engine is daunting. Thanks for all the pictures and the knowledge you are passing on.

Here is mine http://www.flickr.com/photos/waltspr...7628925019747/

Crash_OK

01-27-2012 10:09 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrwelton (Post 5148884)

Thanks for the comments..

This is my first build... I have done a lot of mechanic work in the past (long ago) and a couple of engine swaps.. So I am learning as I go... this forum and the people on it are great resources... I would not be this far along without them…

fakerwade

01-27-2012 02:01 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Hey Mark, your cooler lines looked great!! I was wondering where you got your wiring diagram??? (I'm a little concerned)

Crash_OK

01-27-2012 06:13 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

It's alive...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hooked up the PCM. powered up the fuse panel.. hit the starter.. started right up.... sounds good..

Crash_OK

01-27-2012 06:15 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by fakerwade (Post 5149308)

Hey Mark, your cooler lines looked great!! I was wondering where you got your wiring diagram??? (I'm a little concerned)

Thanks fakerwade.. Which wiring diagram.. the one in showing my fuse box and relays? It is something I created based on the factory wiring diagram.. What is you concern?

fakerwade

01-27-2012 07:19 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash_OK (Post 5149764)

Thanks fakerwade.. Which wiring diagram.. the one in showing my fuse box and relays? It is something I created based on the factory wiring diagram.. What is you concern?

Nothing too major,,, it's been a while since I worked for GM so things may have changed. First thing that jumped out on me was that the fuel pump relay was activated by sending power from the PCM to the relay, usually that leg of a fuel pump relay has "key on" power and the relay is activated by the PCM closing the ground to the ground leg of the relay. The second thing was the use of a 20 amp fuse to the PCM through the "hot all the time" side of the fuse box. That power feed to the PCM is simply for memory retention and requires very little amperage to maintain. The 10 amp fuse should probably go there and the 20 amp fuse should go to the "key on" side of the fuse box for the actual power up of the PCM. Like I said, I may be wrong, glad to hear you got it running!! ;)

Crash_OK

01-28-2012 02:04 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by fakerwade (Post 5149859)

Thanks fakerwade.... I could very well have things wrong.. However, in this case I think I am right. After review the wiring diagrams and the fuse box itself the orange wires (Blue Pin 20 and Pin 57 - Circuit 440) uses a 20 amp fuse. I agree it seems large for memory retention as well.. But I thought it best to follow what the factory did.

On the fuel pump, I was surprised with that as well.. The fans circuits work by the PCM taking the pins to ground. However, the fuel pump outputs 12V+.. Not sure why they did it that way...

Once again thanks... and please let me know if you spot any other issues..

mcbassin

01-28-2012 03:24 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash_OK (Post 5149762)

It's alive...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hooked up the PCM. powered up the fuse panel.. hit the starter.. started right up.... sounds good..

Congrats on getting it running! You know we'll need to see some video.
Amazing how fast you got the chassis done and motor running. It took me a solid year. As soon as fishing weather hits I usually stop or slow to crawl. I'm going to try to stay hooked up this year just to try to keep up with you;)

Crash_OK

01-28-2012 09:42 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbassin (Post 5150692)

Thanks Mike.. As I have said before... My progress is about to slow way down... I need to start on the cab next week, but I keep looking around for other things to work on :lol: You made that rust on your cab disappear pretty fast.. and made it look easy...

tsnow678

01-28-2012 02:49 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Nothing like an LS engine! After swapping in the 6.0 in my Camaro I would never look back at using the SBC. I will however use the SBC thats in my 72 truck since I really dont want to spend a great deal of money on another swap. Awesome you got the harness figured out and you have it running. I chose the path of least resistance and bought a stand alone harness for the Camaro. Great job and thanks again for all of the information!!!

68 Four on the Floor

01-28-2012 03:33 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Wow amazing build. You OK guys sure know how to build them. Looking forward to seeing more

Crash_OK

01-28-2012 11:24 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsnow678 (Post 5151406)

The wiring was not bad.. in fact I enjoyed it.. Maybe someday I will start a business doing it.. Thanks for the commets.. I think my next project will be a 1st gen Camaro... Have a great day.

Crash_OK

01-29-2012 12:42 AM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68 Four on the Floor (Post 5151462)

Wow amazing build. You OK guys sure know how to build them. Looking forward to seeing more

Thanks..

m6z	01-30-2012 09:43 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

nice work

Crash_OK

01-31-2012 09:45 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

Quote:

Originally Posted by m6z (Post 5156515)

nice work

Thank you...

Crash_OK

01-31-2012 09:46 PM

Re: Crash's 72 K10

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:06 AM.

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