Front cross member installation

[maritime_bowtie]

I just picked up my "new" front cross member for my truck, with one small problem. The upper control arm brackets that are riveted to the crossmember have no threads on the studs. I checked my local dealer, but they say that that part is discontinued. They are not that easy of a piece to find.I'm wondering if i can somehow remove the old studs that the a arm bolts to and replace them. Also, would cutting the rivets and bolting on a new bracket be sufficient? I could always mig weld the brackets into place as well...

Now,... my friend said that doing a swap like this should only be done when the cab and box are off the frame. He says that if there is any strain on the cab or frame etc... when I cut loose my old cross member, my frame may twist and I may not be able to get my new cross member bolted on. Has anyone had experience with swapping a cross member with all the goodies onto a front end while the cab is still on??


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'87 chevy c10 2wd
305 fi targetmaster
daily driver, my project in progress (when time and money allow)

[72c10]

LMC carries those studs you are talking about, I dont know how much or how hard it is to press them in. you could also try and run a threader over the studs. might be easier than replacing that bracket.

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing

[maritime_bowtie]

I don't think a die nut would do much good, the studs are in pretty bad shape. I may have found a set, but the guy that has them won't be around till the weekend. Something will come up, thanks for the reply, Later-

[1FaastC10]

the studs are press fit, very much similar to a wheel stud. there are holes in teh frame behind them, just pount them out, and install teh new ones like you would a wheel stud.

[maritime_bowtie]

Thanks Jeremy, I'll check it out .

[maritime_bowtie]

FYI... I called my friendly neighborhood GM dealer, and he has 2 in stock and 2 a day away, $5 each. I guess when all else fails, check the dealer. lol, Thanks again... Lloyd

[maritime_bowtie]

FYI... I called my friendly neighborhood GM dealer, and he has 2 in stock and 2 a day away, $5 each. I guess when all else fails, check the dealer. lol, Thanks again...later

[crazy longhorn]

As far as installing the crossmember, I would set jack stands under the frame at the firewall, & also a pair toward the nose of the frame......the body shouldnt need to come off to do the swap. good luck.....crazyL

[maritime_bowtie]

Thank you crazyL, I'll let you know how it turns out... I'm going away to work in another week and when I get back, the job is on!