Trans Mount Spacers

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Frankenchevy

Proverbs 16:18
Joined
Jan 3, 2018
Posts
6,098
Reaction score
7,805
Location
USA
First Name
Jeremy
Truck Year
Square
Truck Model
CUCV
Engine Size
Small
Don't know if I worded it wrong but I meant the crossmember is always on the bottom of the frame. I was trying to explain the order, like exactly how it looks in the OP's original pic.

This is true, I've personally never seen a truck with crossmember mounted on top of the bottom frame rail, so I can't speak on that, but I believe you. I just didn't think that would be an issue as it would be less than a 1/2 inch difference.
Maybe I’m extra confused what you meant. I was saying the crossmember IS under the frame...
 

PrairieDrifter

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2014
Posts
3,876
Reaction score
5,705
Location
North Dakota
First Name
Mason
Truck Year
84,79,77,76,70,48
Truck Model
Suburban k10, bonanza k10, k30, k20, c10, gmc 1/2ton
Engine Size
350, 350, 350, 350, 350, 350
Maybe I’m extra confused what you meant. I was saying the crossmember IS under the frame...
Yes lol this is what I'm saying as well:anitoof: I think we're on the same page lol. It's just hard to explain the order of the hardware:rotflmao:
 

Doppleganger

Full Access Member
Joined
May 24, 2019
Posts
12,815
Reaction score
59,439
Location
OH-MI: Just like it sounds
First Name
Chris
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
5.7
I'm guessing its been out at some time since the spacers were underneath on one side and above on the other. Its an 85, 208/700. Its been really cobbed which is what I'm also trying to undo.

No idea where the copper nuts came from but think I'm going back to G8 steel.

Thanks fellas.
 

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
30,595
Reaction score
28,800
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
I don't know where the factory placed the spacers and it might have varied. But really it doesn't matter, as long as the spacers are used and they are not between the frame and the crossmember. They will still do their job if they are mounted below everything or on top of everything.
 

Doppleganger

Full Access Member
Joined
May 24, 2019
Posts
12,815
Reaction score
59,439
Location
OH-MI: Just like it sounds
First Name
Chris
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
5.7
FWIW.....looks like those spacers are the same as the ones on the steering box.

The copper nuts thing is still too weird.
 

eskimomann209

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2019
Posts
1,849
Reaction score
2,005
Location
Modesto
First Name
Marcus
Truck Year
1973
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
5.3
I heard from wizards of old... and maybe he was a blowing the smoke but....
He said those spacers were used so GM could use the same length bolt in multiple locations. Rather than stocking multiple lengths they just had spacers.

Edited Typo


Also added

Id toss the crusty bolts and buy the correct length grade 8 bolts washers and Nylock.
 
Last edited:

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
30,595
Reaction score
28,800
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
I heard from wizards of old... and maybe he was a blowing the smoke but....
He said those spacers were used so GM could use the same length bolt in multiple locations. Rather than stocking multiple lengths they just had spacers.

Edited Typo


Also added

Id toss the crusty bolts and buy the correct length grade 8 bolts washers and Nylock.

It's because longer bolts have more room to stretch without breaking. If short bolts were used to hold the crossmember to the frame, which sees a lot of load and torsional flex, they would be more likely to break or loosen.
 

skysurfer

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2010
Posts
2,667
Reaction score
2,117
Location
west coast
First Name
John
Truck Year
1989 Suburban
Truck Model
V2500
Engine Size
5.7/TH400/NP241C
I don't know where the factory placed the spacers and it might have varied. But really it doesn't matter, as long as the spacers are used and they are not between the frame and the crossmember.

There's one exception to that rule. When installing a 4" lift the instructions tell you to move the spacers up as shown.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
30,595
Reaction score
28,800
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
There's one exception to that rule. When installing a 4" lift the instructions tell you to move the spacers up as shown.

You must be registered for see images attach

That is true. I didn't mention it though because it's my personal nitpicky opinion that it's not the best way to do it. I'd much rather see a block of some kind to give better support due to frame flex.
 

K10farmtruck

Junior Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2017
Posts
25
Reaction score
92
Location
North Dakota
First Name
Kylend
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
400
It's because longer bolts have more room to stretch without breaking. If short bolts were used to hold the crossmember to the frame, which sees a lot of load and torsional flex, they would be more likely to break or loosen.
Yup. Pretty common on diesel exhaust manifolds as well to handle the extreme heat cycles
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
44,401
Posts
956,717
Members
36,711
Latest member
MTsquare
Top