Cross member/ front drive shaft

[Dumdumguy]

Upgrading my 66 from I170/3sp to a 302/5 on floor. Problem: cross member in way of front drive shaft. I assume bridging/notching is the answe, but how much support integrity is compromised?

 

[Crush]

You need to move the crossmember. Back so that you get good shaft clearance. The 5 speed is longer and requires the crossmember to be moved anyway. Place it so the trans mount is directly above the crossmember and mark and drill/tap new holes in the frame. I did this in conjunction with making a new crossmember and it has been fine

 

[DirtDonk]

Hey Dumdumguy, welcome to classicbroncos!
Are you using a modified factory crossmember, or an aftermarket fabricated one such as from Advance Adapters?

And are you using a stock Dana 20 t-case, or something else?

Paul