cross member

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I was looking at my truck yesterday, and if I move my cross member 1 inch forward to center the wheel. What do I do about the steering shaft? Do I move then whole box forward an inch to match like people do when they Z the frame.

[broey]

May I suggest a way easier way that will save you tones of headaches?
Porterbuilt has a control arm kit that moves your wheel forward. It's way easier than moving your whole crossmember.
Posted via Mobile Device

[69gmcc10]

Go the porterbuilt rout, not only will it fix the tire location in the fender, but they will provide better geometry so it handles better. Moving the cross member forward is gonna open a can of worms you probably dont wanna deal with.

[jmedero]

That's good advise right there buddy. Bolt on and roll.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I have time, enough skill, but very little money.

[tinydb84]

I figure if you are going to spend enough time to move it forward an inch might as well Z it too

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I figured I would do some Z while I was at it. Currently I am going to section the cross member for 1.5 inch drop, and at least 2 out of the frame Z.

My wife is all over hell, and back on the issue of the truck. She agree's that I can rebuild the suspension, and get new tires. As I have 3 different tires on my truck because of 2 blow outs. My original plan was to try for a Jag rear, and light duty front end. With a 90's Camaro rear as a back up plan. Now she's adamant it has to stay 8-lug, and can't be 5 lug.

But she is fine with my idea of cutting the frame for a drop, converting to a short bed, getting a different cross member for time sake, plus extra parts, and another rear end for better gears. Yet going 5 lug is a crime.

[tinydb84]

1.5 will cause you to run into steering issues. I am cutting one up for 1.25 inches right now.

Any my gf couldnt tell you what a lug is...be thankful she isnt telling you stop working on your truck lol

[chevyrestoguy]

If you're going to "Z" the chassis, definitely move the crossmember forward to center the wheels. I went 2" up and 1" forward. Before you start, make sure that you make a jig from the bottom of the frame to the ground out of steel and tack it in good before you start. It can be made out of scrap steel and doesn't need to be pretty. Make your jig go under the crossmember, the front frame horns and on the frame adjacent to front cab mounts. All of the jig points need to be separate. Do not weld all three points together, because the center is going to have to move up on it's own. Carefully measure (and re-measure) your cut lines to make sure that you are even from side to side. Some guys like to make an angular cut on the rear so when you raise the center section, it automatically moves the crossmember forward. Make sure to make your front cut behind the core support so it stays in the stock location. When you decide how much you want to make the "Z", get a corresponding piece of tubing and put it under all of the legs of your crossmember jig. I made it simple...I used a piece of 2x2 square tubing. Easy...2" up all the way around and everything is still jigged.

There are a few things you will need to address. First, the stock inner fenders will have to be modified to fit the new frame shape. Second, depending on the amount of "Z", you will have to clearance the driver's side control arm for the steering shaft. The reason for this is that the control arms are now going to be higher than the steering box, and the shaft will hit the arm when the suspension is compressed. You are also going to be raising the engine, so make sure you have clearance between the transmission case and the floor. You also need to raise the trans crossmember to keep the engine/trans in the same plane.

You HAVE to find a way to convince the wife to go 5-lug. Mark your calendar for the next $5 day at Pick-A-Part and get the control arms, spindles, and brakes from a 1/2 ton. Or hit Craigslist. Just tell her that the wheel selection for 5 lug wheels is way better than 8-lug, and let her help you pick out the wheels.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

1.5 will cause you to run into steering issues. I am cutting one up for 1.25 inches right now.

Any my gf couldnt tell you what a lug is...be thankful she isnt telling you stop working on your truck lol

What steering issue does it cause?

I was looking at my cross member, and I must be missing something.

[tinydb84]

One of the ends on the centerlink will make contact with the front lip of the bottom of the crossmember. There are a bunch of threads on the issues that arise if you go to high. Also you may run into bumpsteer issues.