Crown Vic crossmember install

Yes the tubing is 3/16. Would you have used 1/8 in. ? I have a habit of overbuilding everything I do. But usually it is because that is what I have on hand.

 

With the layout you have, I think 3/16" is a good choice. Also, I don't know if you were considering the trans mount as chassis bracing. I might have used 1/8 for the straight parts but where it appears you are going to run exhaust through, 1/8 might have had flex if you have plenty of HP. and enough rubber on the rear to cause torsional twist.

 

I am looking at the crossmember as chassis bracing for sure. I see how you mounted yours. That idea had not come to mind, After some time spent looking things over yes I see the 1/4 in. plate would be overkill. So I have a plan just have to keep going. Thanks for the input.

 

When in doubt, make it stout. Flat bar doesn't have anywhere near the strength of tubing. It appears you are using a piece of flat bat to span the tacked up tubes. Granted the distance is short but I would rather be safe than sorry. Personally, I vote for the 1/4".

 

No flat stock, I will break a piece of plate into a channel for the 2 x 4 to set in .

 

A new plan, it still has a ways to go but this looks much better.

 

That looks like it will perform as intended. Many ways to skin an animal.

 

I have made some progress this week on the crossmember. It doesn't look like much but it is huge to me. I get a few holes drilled and installed some crush sleeves , plus started on a couple pieces of angle to weld to the frame, The best part is it will be easy to R & R.

 

I just picked up a 57 Ford, so please keep the updates coming.

 

The crossmember is finished and bolted in, Grade 8 Flange/Frame bolts and nuts using crush sleeves in the frame. Motor mounts are done. I have been working on the mounts for the trailing arm bushings ( rear of the lower control arm ) the plan is to get those mounts tacked in place and see where the caster setting is and go from there.

 

Looking awesome. Keep the updates coming.

 

Thanks !

 

I worked on the piece of tubing for the bottom of the LCA mount, boxing the ends and adding a crush sleeve. Checking the alignment on the right side just To get an idea of where things are and it looks like zero camber and four degrees of positive caster with no shims. I can add shims under the black LCA mount and that will increase positive caster. So I am pretty happy with that.