few installation issues with nv3550

[1970mule]

so I have a few fitment problems with the install from toms nv3550 kit. the first was I had to make a small cut on the rubber mount that is supposed to fit on the cross member. I made the cut so it could clear one bolt at where the front drive shaft is, no biggie I thought. the next is that the 2 studs on the cross member rubber mount part are slightly off to one side like the oblong holes should be bigger or they should have been moved over to one side by 1/2 to 1". I could cut those too but should this not be an issue. help... can I cut the hole bigger with no issues? has anyone had this problem?

 

[ChrisC74]

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=247231

This thread might help. Those holes are off. Advanced is aware and is supposed to be redesigning the cross member. We enlarged the slots and then made big square plate washers to cover it up.

Let me know if you need more photos.

 

[1970mule]

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=247231

This thread might help. Those holes are off. Advanced is aware and is supposed to be redesigning the cross member. We enlarged the slots and then made big square plate washers to cover it up.

Let me know if you need more photos.

THank you, that confirmed it. Well looks like I will be cutting the crap out of it tomorrow.

 

[ChrisC74]

THank you, that confirmed it. Well looks like I will be cutting the crap out of it tomorrow.

Yeah, we machined them pretty wide to make it work. Really, really disappointing to get that far into the install and find that it does not fit. Same AA cross member from all the vendors.

Curious - what year is your truck - this seems to be more common in the 73 - 74 years.

 

[1970mule]

Yeah, we machined them pretty wide to make it work. Really, really disappointing to get that far into the install and find that it does not fit. Same AA cross member from all the vendors.

Curious - what year is your truck - this seems to be more common in the 73 - 74 years.

I have a 1970, so this may not have anything to do with year.

 

[1970mule]

If you learn to use the search function will find options.
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2334411#post2334411

why does it have to be "if I learn to use the search feature". I know an option is I could make one myself, but is that the point when you buy the "complete" kit? unless that particular item is for sale then I am still in the same boat. either modify the aa one a little or make one from scratch. Thanks for the post though "i guess"

 

[1970mule]

ok so I called TOMS and they tell me to do all kinds of things to make it fit. THey also said they have not heard of they type of problem before that I am having. so where I am now is that I have the cross member in because I took off the rubber mount with the 2 studs then I attached it to the cross member and then jacked up the trans and was able to make it fit. BUT now the cross member is hitting the front driveshaft yolk bottom nut. so where AA has it milled out to accommodate the front output yolk. and also the holes on the top plate mount is 1-1 1/2 inches off to the drivers side. SO I was told that I need to take a pry bar or something and move the trans and all over to that side after loosening the motor mounts. so one of the problems with that is my headers will hit the frame after an inch maybe. I was also told that if I don't make it fit in the holes provided then the trans will not be where it was intended. Seems like it was fine in that spot with my 3 speed. any insight into this? I know I could make a mount but lets exhaust all option on this first.

 

[Pops68]

Is it remotely possible that you have the cross brace in backwards????? I had to do some minor modifications to make mine fit (WH kit - I know it is stil AA part) but nothing like you are saying.

Pops

 

[blubuckaroo]

I've got to agree with loostening the motor mount bolts. All related fasteners should be loose until all are in place. You won't believe how much play is in all them collectively. And don't worry about using a pry bar on it to get the bolts in. The motor mounts are made to twist.

 

[1970mule]

I wish it were that simple of having it backwards. I did loosen the motor mounts. not sure what else to loosen.

 

[bigbassbronco72]

Call advance adapters. I had the same issue and they made me a free prototype adapter that aligned the holes. They said some broncos are different. I have a 72'. Good luck!

 

[1970mule]

so I have this question. doesn't the rear yolk on the dana 20 supposed to be inline with the rear output yolk on the rear diff. because the rear yolk is dead center at the rear diff and the yolk diff is centered as well if I move it over 1 inch to the pass side then I may have some problems.

 

[1970mule]

Call advance adapters. I had the same issue and they made me a free prototype adapter that aligned the holes. They said some broncos are different. I have a 72'. Good luck!

ahhh will do. at least I am not crazy.

 

[bigbassbronco72]

Exactly... The bracket they made simply shifted the holes over an inch. Like you said everything is lined up, the holes are just off. Initially I tried everything including cargo straps and 2x4s prying. But measured it all out and it was perfect. Initially I thought I Fd something up BC I did a v8 swap but all squared up when I verified measurements. I called TBP and they got me in touch with Advance Adapters and they hooked me up. Everything free of course. They said it happens maybe every 1/100 sales. But like I said its just the bottom bracket that allows for the studs to shift over to fit the cross member.

 

[1970mule]

Exactly... The bracket they made simply shifted the holes over an inch. Like you said everything is lined up, the holes are just off. Initially I tried everything including cargo straps and 2x4s prying. But measured it all out and it was perfect. Initially I thought I Fd something up BC I did a v8 swap but all squared up when I verified measurements. I called TBP and they got me in touch with Advance Adapters and they hooked me up. Everything free of course. They said it happens maybe every 1/100 sales. But like I said its just the bottom bracket that allows for the studs to shift over to fit the cross member.

ok so you are saying that that, if I get this bracket it will replace the rubber bracket with studs completely or it will add to it? sorry for the dumb questions.

 

[ChrisC74]

Call advance adapters. I had the same issue and they made me a free prototype adapter that aligned the holes. They said some broncos are different. I have a 72'. Good luck!

AA told me that they made a corrected bracket and sent it out to someone but never heard if it fit or not. Was this a couple of years ago?

I have sent photos, measurements, etc... they have been working on another new more universal bracket. I have seen photos but have gotten no firm release date. This is a known problem to AA.

If anyone wants they guy at AA's contact info shoot me a pm.

All that being said, I would just widen the slots and install it unless you are not in a rush.

 

[jeffh355]

I have a 72, had to cut, grind and drill the bracket to make it work for me. I installed mine a couple years ago now and still working great!