Topic: 1970 trans cross member question

[DaveF]

I?m a little confused. The transmission cross member in my 428 SCJ seems to have a fitment issue. The space to fit over the trans tunnel bracing is 3?. The trans tunnel bracing is only 2-1/2?, requiring 1/4? shim washers on either side. I have a big block ?68 Cougar that has a 3? trans tunnel bracing, and everything fits as you would expect. Any ideas are appreciated.

[J_Speegle]

Would guess that over the years someone has forced it and in turn bent it. Plenty of opportunities to hammer one of these in place. Guess you have tried but you can't bring the ends in by tightening the attachment bolts enough

Is it over three inches on both ends or only one. Just trying to help by being a sounding board in this current situation

[DaveF]

It seems odd to me. I don?t think that anything has been pounded out of shape. I believe that the cross member on my big block Cougar measures 3? across like this one does. The only difference is that the mounting surface that goes around the transmission tunnel and provides a mounting surface for the cross member, is only about 2-1/2? across, leaving about a half inch gap.

[J_Speegle]

Doesn't make sense (would not be the first time) that the cross member attached to the floor would be different on a Cougar and a Mustang. Wish I had one of each - or either at home to measure real quickly for the discussion. With how popular both cars are one would think that we would have heard similar reports on the forums over the past 40 or so years.

Lets see what others have found

[DaveF]

It's Weird, almost like the tunnel bracing in the Mustang is too narrow.

[james70]

The 3" crossmember mounting bracket span is correct, so has to be the floorpan bracing. Do you see any signs floorpan crossmember bracing was modified or replaced. Reason for asking is the 1965/1966 mustang floorpan bracing was narrower than the 1967-1970 and someone could have modified it to install 1965/1966 transmission mounting bracket. A pic of the 2-1/2" floorpan bracing area would help

[J_Speegle]

The 3" crossmember mounting bracket span is correct, so has to be the floorpan bracing. Do you see any signs floorpan crossmember bracing was modified or replaced. Reason for asking is the 1965/1966 mustang floorpan bracing was narrower than the 1967-1970 and someone could have modified it to install 1965/1966 transmission mounting bracket. A pic of the 2-1/2" floorpan bracing area wound help

Great idea and something to check. Seen more than one 65 floor in a 69-70 over the years.