Front crossmember interchange?
 

G'day all ...

Just got done stripping the front suspension, and noticed my crossmember is a little worse for wear and will need replacing (like most everything on this truck)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d9...t.jpg~original


My problem is being in Australia, it's unlikely I'll fund one locally, and buying a used one from the US will still take 3 months to get here.

Before I decide what to do, I'd like to know if:

- 67-72 front crossmembers are the same?

- 2wd and 4wd the same?

- are 73+ useable? as 73+ pickups were released locally.

Mine is a 1967 2wd 1/2 ton. I already have replacement upper & lower control arms from LMC, and a 2" drop spindle front disc brake kit form ECE.

What are my options?

Thanks for your time.

Re: Front crossmember interchange?
 

Well the 67 frame in the states didnt have a spot for a power steering box where the 68 and newer did. Also, from the picture in your avator, you may have a RH drive truck which may change things.... but putting that aside, the 73+ crossmembers will bolt in using two existing holes and then you drill two new holes. There are some tie rod changes and your control arms may not fit the 73+ crossmember... I would check with LMC or ECE about the interchange of their respective parts....

Re: Front crossmember interchange?
 

67-70 are identical

71-72 the main cross member is identical, the brake hose mounting tab was moved from the rear to the front for disk brakes

73+ is very similar and is interchangeable with drilling a few holes, 73+ also used larger U bolts to retain the lower control arm shaft. If I remember correctly they use 9/16" U bolts. But seeing as I could only find the 9/16 anyway and drilled out my cross member this is really a non issue.

Re: Front crossmember interchange?
 

And 2wd vs 4wd are not interchangeable, completely different animals. You can install either cross member to either frame with some measuring and drilling to convert either way 2wd>4wd>2wd but a 4wd cross member will not work with typical 2wd suspension.

Re: Front crossmember interchange?
 

OK cool. Thanks for the replies.

I'll see if I can find a 73 locally. That would save me time & money.

Cheers.

Re: Front crossmember interchange?
 

Bringing this back again ... I've found a 73+ crossmember locally.

Before buying I need to confirm, if anyone knows.

Using a 73+ crossmember (with a few holes needed drilling), with 67 upper & lower control arms, including the 67 upper control arm mounting bracket (the piece that mounts the control arms to the frame.

Will this work? What am I not thinking of?

Motor mounts?

Re: Front crossmember interchange?
 

Use the 73+ control arms they have rubber bushings and are easier to deal with
You can re use the 67 engine stands
Good luck

Re: Front crossmember interchange?
 

Unfortunately I've already purchased new 67 control arms, as well as a 67 disc kit from ECE.

They were purchased long before I discovered the crossmember was cactus.