1940-1946 Chevy Pick-up Truck Crossmember Kit Installation Instructions

Truck Crossmember Kit installation for Chevrolet Pick-up
1. Start by supporting the truck on 4 jack stands. The truck should be sitting at approximately the same angle as it does on the ground or slightly lower in front.
2. Remove all the old suspension components from the frame. The front spring shackle mounts riveted in the frame are used for a measuring point. The top of the frame rail should also be flattened in the area where it is turned up for the old steering box mount.
3. The radiator support crossmember will need to be modified next. Figure 1 shows the rear section that will need to be removed to provide clearance for the rack and pinion. The front section of the crossmember re- mains in place to support the radiator.
4. Next the front frame section is to be boxed, using the boxing plates supplied. The plates fit up against the rear of the radiator crossmember. You can grind the inside edges of the frame rails flat so the plates lay flat against them, but do not grind off too much material as the rails will become too thin. The plates can set on the lower flanges of the rails in the front, but most of the flange will eventually be trimmed away for the rack C-notch and crossmember clearance. Fit the plates, weld and grind smooth.
5. If you purchased a complete I.F.S. Package from HEIDTS, it was supplied with Full Lower A-Arms. Begin by installing the Spacers onto the crossmember. The holes where the lower control arms attach to the Crossmember must be enlarged to 5/8”. Mount the Crossmember Spacers and the Rear Spacers which were supplied with the Lower Control Arms onto the Crossmember as shown in Figure 2 using the supplied Inner Bushing Bolts, Nuts and a temporary spacer under the Nuts. DO NOT use the A-Arms for this operation as the welding heat will melt the rubber bushings. Tighten the Bolts and Nuts tight. Weld the Rear Spacers to the Crossmember all around. Weld the Crossmember Spacers as far as possible inside the crossmember on both ends. Position the Gussets horizontally, not vertically, against the Rear Spacers and the back of the Crossmember. Weld Gussets to Spacers and Crossmember. When it cools, remove the bolt.
6. Measure straight back 16-11/16" from the center of the front spring shackle hole in the frame and make a vertical line. See Figure 3. This will be the center of the crossmember and the spindle centerline. Slip the crossmember up into the frame and center it on the centerline mark. If it does not fit up into the frame, grind the sides of the crossmember uprights so you can get it into this position. Make sure that the cross-member is seated fully on the underside of the frame. Tack weld in place.
7. Next are the spring towers. They sit on top of the frame rails, and are located 1-3/4" forward of the front of the crossmember, as shown in Figure 4. The higher side of the spring towers goes toward the front. Seat them fully against the frame, grind to fit the tops of the frame rails, clamp in place, then tack weld.
8. The C-notch for the rack is the last part to be done. Measure forward from the centerline 4-5/8" for `74-`78 Mustang II manual or 5” for Mustang power rack, and up 1-1/2" and make a mark. Now draw a 2-1/8" radius, using your mark as the top of the radius. See Figure 5. Trim out the material marked, leaving about 1/8" to work with, and then try the rack and the C-notch filler piece. Finish grind the notch for fit and location, and tack the filler pieces in place. Remove the rack.

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