tcase support question....

[Boonie]

first off, let me apologize for the picture quality. damn phone. anyway, im doing a resto-mod on the truck my grand dad bought new in 74. the year after that, my dad bought one pretty much like it, just 1/2 ton instead of 3/4 ton. dads truck had dual exhaust, and this didn't. I was under it today and noticed it has a couple extra supports on the main t case support (see pics). since it has those, there is no room for a second exhaust pipe on the passenger side. I don't remember these extra supports being on dads truck. my question is, are these supports vital? are they something that was changed between 74 and 75, or it is a 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton thing? just trying to find out if I can remove them safely, or if they have to be left in. as always, im turning to those with more knowledge than I have for answers. thanks....

 

[chengny]

I can't see the extra supports - probably because I don't know where they are.

But anyway, most likely they are the transfer case braces. Whether you need them or not depends on how hard you intend to work the truck while in 4WD. If you are going to plow or do any intense off-roading you should have the t-case braced.

There is another type of brace that is used when the truck is equipped with dual exhaust. Check the two holes on the side of the t-case as shown below - they should be tapped:

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If they are (tapped), find the brace shown below. It hugs in close to the t-case and allows a RH side exhaust pipe to pass between the case and frame.

One end bolts to the two holes shown above, and the other end is secured by one of the bell housing to engine block bolts.

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I tried to find an image of one installed but this is all I could come up with. It only shows the brace attached to the t-case:

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All these images are for 85 - 86 vintage K series but should apply to your 74.

BTW - I have three GM service manuals for your 1974 truck (Service Manual, Overhaul Manual & Wiring Diagrams). Bump this if you're interested and I'll upload them to deposit files for you.

 

[MadOgre]

I can't see the extra supports - probably because I don't know where they are.

But anyway, most likely they are the transfer case braces. Whether you need them or not depends on how hard you intend to work the truck while in 4WD. If you are going to plow or do any intense off-roading you should have the t-case braced.

There is another type of brace that is used when the truck is equipped with dual exhaust. Check the two holes on the side of the t-case as shown below - they should be tapped:

You must be registered for see images attach

If they are find the brace shown below. It hugs in close to the t-case and allows a RH side exhaust pipe to pass between the case and frame.

One end bolts to the two holes shown above, and the other end is secured by one of the bell housing to engine block bolts.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

I tried to find an image of one installed but this is all I could come up with. It only shows the brace attached to the t-case:

You must be registered for see images attach

All these images are for 85 - 86 vintage K series but should apply to your 74.

BTW - I have three GM service manuals for your 1974 truck (Service Manual, Overhaul Manual & Wiring Diagrams). Bump this if you're interested and I'll upload them to deposit files for you.

I think he's talking about the little brace that goes from the cross member to the top of the frame rail.

 

[chengny]

You must be registered for see images attach

That brace?

IDK what that would do. Seems like a brace to brace another brace.

 

[MadOgre]

Ive never seen one aside from this picture. Every one I have owned has never had one so it shouldn't be an issue removing it for exhaust clearance.

 

[Boonie]

yes, I meant the little brace from crossmember to top of frame rail. like I said, phone pics suck. sorry. I do have the bar you were talking about, several of them in fact. seems I latched on to some spares while working on my 84 project years ago, and forgot I had them until recently. if I don't need the small brace, im taking it off. I honestly don't see why I should, just wanted to verify. thanks for all your help. might actually get this project off the ground someday.

 

[mtnmankev]

You mean like this : ??

 

[MadOgre]

You mean like this : ??

Ya see there is not even any holes on his cross member to mount that little brace.

 

[Boonie]

yea, I didn't think I really needed them. they gone when I start the drivetrain part of this project. thanks again for all your replies.....

 

[MadOgre]

No prob !