Changing the 67-72 engine crossmember to the 73-87? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1970gm4x4 · 09-25-2012, 12:42 AM

I am going to put a 454 in a 1970 chevy 4x4, i know they never made a 4x4 with a 454, i have been told by a guy that i will need to "upgrade" to the 73-87 style crossmember because they are supposedly stronger and use a better engine mount, also i have one and the frames are very close in width so it looks doable. Has anyone else heard of this or done this? thanks.

4x4Poet · 06-21-2013, 01:46 AM

btt (why re-invent the wheel?)

SS Tim · 06-21-2013, 01:58 AM

There were 454 4x4s in the mid-eighties, Tried to put a deal together for a 88 K30 last of the square body pickups. When everything was said and done we missed the production window.
The 4x2 cross members are an easy swap not sure about the 4x4s though. Not sure it would be of much benefit but I'd be interested in hearing from others too.

budman k20 · 06-21-2013, 09:40 AM

A lot of guys have put 4x4 73-87 front cross members in 4x4 67-72 trucks to get a front sway bar including me. If you have both engine cross members then you should be able to measure the attachment points and get a pretty good idea if they will work. My 72 engine cross member is bolted in so I assume yours is the same. It should be pretty easy to check the fit. Post a picture of the 73-78 engine cross member if you need more opinions.
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

09-25-2012, 12:42 AM	#1
1970gm4x4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: El Dorado, California Posts: 26	Changing the 67-72 engine crossmember to the 73-87? I am going to put a 454 in a 1970 chevy 4x4, i know they never made a 4x4 with a 454, i have been told by a guy that i will need to "upgrade" to the 73-87 style crossmember because they are supposedly stronger and use a better engine mount, also i have one and the frames are very close in width so it looks doable. Has anyone else heard of this or done this? thanks.

06-21-2013, 01:46 AM	#2
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	btt (why re-invent the wheel?) __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup.

06-21-2013, 01:58 AM	#3
SS Tim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Edwards, CA Posts: 7,504	Re: Changing the 67-72 engine crossmember to the 73-87? There were 454 4x4s in the mid-eighties, Tried to put a deal together for a 88 K30 last of the square body pickups. When everything was said and done we missed the production window. The 4x2 cross members are an easy swap not sure about the 4x4s though. Not sure it would be of much benefit but I'd be interested in hearing from others too. __________________ Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban

06-21-2013, 09:40 AM	#4
budman k20 1972 K20 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Greenfield MN Posts: 360	Re: Changing the 67-72 engine crossmember to the 73-87? A lot of guys have put 4x4 73-87 front cross members in 4x4 67-72 trucks to get a front sway bar including me. If you have both engine cross members then you should be able to measure the attachment points and get a pretty good idea if they will work. My 72 engine cross member is bolted in so I assume yours is the same. It should be pretty easy to check the fit. Post a picture of the 73-78 engine cross member if you need more opinions. Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.