Missing rear tranny cross member???
 

Hoping someone out there can help answer this question: Should there be a rear tranny cross member support on a 4 speed muncie in a 1967 stepside? I started stripping the motor down to pull it with the tranny and noticed that the tranny was only supported by means of the bell housing (tranny bolted to bell housing and bell housing supported by cross member). This is my first manual tranny 67-72 truck, so not sure what to expect. Seems like the tranny would be better served with additional support in the rear. See attached photo of current setup. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Re: Missing rear tranny cross member???
 

Supported at the bell housing from the frame. Transmission just hangs there.

Gary

Re: Missing rear tranny cross member???
 

It is just fine as it is. That is no different than the SM420 that was in there originally.

Re: Missing rear tranny cross member???
 

Thanks for the confirmation. Still seems strange to me just seeing the rear of the tranny just hanging out in the breeze, but I guess that is how they do it in this application. I am swapping the motor out from the 327 that was in there to a 383 with about 400 HP and ft-lbs. Hope the extra torque does not strain that setup too much and break something. Does anyone ever fab a second rear crossmember to reinforce and support higher power/toque applications?

Re: Missing rear tranny cross member???
 

Adding a third crossmember could do more harm than good by creating a stress/binding situation. If you are worried about it, remove the bellhousing crossmember and install a trans crossmember.

Re: Missing rear tranny cross member???
 

Agree with Fab man (Captain)......You dont need , or want the 3rd mount......I ran several M-21 muncie 's, hanging on that bell. I did not break one of them;) Longhorn

Re: Missing rear tranny cross member???
 

Great, thanks for the confirmation. I will now try to focus on deciding which type of engine I want to pair with the tranny. Everytime I think I decide, then I change my mind!

Re: Missing rear tranny cross member???
 

One thing that I will add....it wont be a problem on the 67 bell, but the center hole size changes, in the 68 yr. IIRC, 4 11/16, vs 5 1/8 inches. If you have the later bell, you can have a machined ring pressed onto the front bearing retainer......it should be a snug fit (.002), on the fit on the center hole, on the bell. Longhorn