Dually 4x4 swap

[Matt Man]

Can i install the front axle without the stock crossmember getting in the way? and will a k30 crossmember work in my c30?

if i have to change it? why do i need to change the crossmember anyways. What get's in the way?

[Chevy1TonFun]

If you are doing a 2wd to 4wd conversion you will need to remove the 2wd crossmember and put in a 4x4 crossmember. Then you will need to then weld on all the needed brackets for the springs. The crossmember itself is in the way of the axle. The 2wd CM is a lot deeper than a 4x4 CM.

[b454rat]

4wd crossmember will not go into a 2wd frame. I tried and it's too tall. IIRC it's only a 1/4" if that, but enough to make it not work. I would be done with my truck if it was a bolt in deal.

[USSkoval]

But if a decent lift is involved, why would the 2wd cross member be in the way? Does it hang that low?

[Matt Man]

Originally Posted by b454rat

4wd crossmember will not go into a 2wd frame. I tried and it's too tall. IIRC it's only a 1/4" if that, but enough to make it not work. I would be done with my truck if it was a bolt in deal.

1/4"? wow

[b454rat]

If you have access to a variety of metal you can make your own crossmember and use the 2wd mounts. I was gonna go this route, but dont' have easy access to the truck, nor a welder or a decent way to cutting any metal. I ended up getting a custom crossmember with mounts to put a Cummins in my truck. But it will also work for any gas engine, just the crossmember is bigger to clear the pan on the diesel.

[Matt Man]

Originally Posted by b454rat

If you have access to a variety of metal you can make your own crossmember and use the 2wd mounts. I was gonna go this route, but dont' have easy access to the truck, nor a welder or a decent way to cutting any metal. I ended up getting a custom crossmember with mounts to put a Cummins in my truck. But it will also work for any gas engine, just the crossmember is bigger to clear the pan on the diesel.

So the 2wd member still wont work even if i have a 454? or you saying it wont work cause your throwing in a cummins? Btw that is gonna be a sweet truck!

[b454rat]

The crossmember between the two is totally different. I guess you could make it work, but I'd rather use something else than the 2wd crossmember. Thing is huge, and hangs down more than necessary. Also the crossmembers are the same between all the motors, my crew was originally a 454. Cummins oil pans are HUGE, and much longer than any GM motor, so a custom crossmember is used. I have it sitting right here, I'll get some pics tomorrow.....

[Matt Man]

cool thank you for the pics. So im planning on running a 6 inch lift would the 2wd crossmember still work since there will be more space than stock?

[onlyifihadachevy]

If its anything like a 72s crossmember, I would stay no. I have a 6in and it looked like it would hit if I hit a bump or flexed. But, this was a 72, Don't know how much the crossmembers and frames are.

[Matt Man]

argh im in a tough spot right now. The problem is i can do all the work myself except the crossmember. i know i can have someone fab a custom crossmember but they need the truck in front of them to make me one. i dont want to get into it then figure out i need someone else to finish it.... dont have the money for that. i still dont understand why the k30 crossmember wont bolt in to my frame there the same i thought...

[onlyifihadachevy]

If its less an a 1/4 in, you could grind it down, a 1/8 inch on the top and bottom, may not be the best option, but could work. Not the whole thing just the sides. Then drill out and weld a piece of steel in to regain the lost strength, on the bottom of the top piece and the top of the bottom piece.

[b454rat]

Something I was considering was a universal crossmember from Summit. They are less than $100, and have couple different ones to clear a small or large oil pan. Figure out where you want it, drill some holes or weld it.

Only thing I didn't like about them was you have to use their isolators.

[doug70]

The front suspension is all mounted to the massive C30 cross member. I looked at cutting up a 2wd front cross member to use under project Grasshopper. It is easier to use the diy4x cross member. Instead I took the clamshell mounts off the donor truck and plan to mount then to the frame and fab up the rest of the cross member. I have a 396 empty block. I will mount the transmission up to it and mock ti up with the new clamshell mounts and fab the new side mounts with that in place. Once that is done, I will remove the 396 block and install the complete short deck 427 and trans. Then I can fab the cross member to connect the 2 side mounts. The reason for doing it this way is I don't have another rear sump pan to put on the 396 block. It will be similar to the diy4x xmember, but will use the factory clamshell from the later trucks. Unless you have a heavy duty tubing bender and very good welding skills, this should be farmed out to a welding shop.

Sorry for the long winded answer. Diy4x is looking better all the time.

Doug

[Matt Man]

thanks for the replys everyone. i will go to a buddys shop of mine and see what he can do. He does custom stuff for nothing but big trucks. 1 ton+