Pulling front cross member advice

[evolve520]

So I got a line on an 87 pickup being parted out and I have to pull the parts myself. Want to grab the whole front including cross member, a-arms, spindles, brakes, all of it, to swap into my 66'. I know you can use the 66' x-member but mine was sectioned/pancaked very poorly so I want to replace it. What tools will I need to remove the x-member? Is it just bolted in or are they riveted? I assume I can pretty much remove that and keep the rest attached excluding cutting brake lines. Is that correct? Would save a lot of time by not having to remove it piece by piece and then disassemble it once I get it home. Thanks,
Jon

[donthekawguy]

I think there are 6 bolts holding it to the donor truck. Take those out, cut the lines and roll or muscle it out.

[tinydb84]

I think its closer to 12 bolts to the frame. You probably want to bring a pickle fork for the steering. No rivets. I'd see if the seller could power wash it and spray the bolts with penetrating oil a few days before.

[ls60apache]

hello think its 7 bolts on each side. if you have access to a torch and if its safe to do so it will make quick work of it,just cut the frame behind the crossmember. and disassemble when you get home.good luck

[AcampoDave]

Don't forget to have a motor hoist on hand! Hernia surgeries are no good.

[donthekawguy]

Woops I fogot the control arm nuts and bolts. Should be 6 or 8 for the cross member, 4 upper arm nuts and the steering stuff. Not sure if there are any rivets to grind off. Whatever the total is, it's easier to take off the whole thing then it is to go part by part.

[69chevytrucker]

ya just drop it all in one piece take steering column too if its tilt i did the 85 swap and used everything even steering

[1963c-10]

I just did the crossmember drop and swap. There are 7 bolts per frame rail for a total of 14 bolts. You have 3 bolts on the bottom of the frame per side and 4 bolts that go on the side of the frame into the upper side of the crossmember per side.

Can be seen here on the pass side right behind the fuel line that would feed the fuel pump.

[evolve520]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

Don't forget to have a motor hoist on hand! Hernia surgeries are no good.

I won't have access to a hoist. Didn't even think about that. Do I need to lift the motor out of the way or can the x-member be dropped with motor still in and no lift?

[1963c-10]

You will need to remove the engine. The crossmember supports all the lower weight from the perches.

I removed the engine / transmission, but both were getting replaced anyways. Jacked up the front end. Unbolted the crossmember and raised the frame up enough to allow the crossmember to roll out underneath. If you flip the crossmember over once its free of the frame, you won't have to go up as high to get it out. Leave the front tires on and you can literally roll it out.

Check pics out here on my build thread. Link: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...519869&page=41 go down to post #1017

[forestb]

I would cut out the frame rails. I spent half a day at the junk yard trying to unbolt one from a 77 and went home empty handed. Came back the next day with a sawzall and cut the section of the frame where the cross member is attached. If you take it out all as one peace you will need a cherry picker to move it it is way to heavy to carry. If you cut it in front and behind make sure you support the truck so it does not fall on you.