32 k-member question

[Mark from Australia]

I'm needing a measurement from a 32 k-member, please.

I need to know how far below the top of the frame rail the gearbox hole in a 32 k-member goes.

I'll fess up ..... I want to fit a later gearbox into a 32 frame, but don't (yet) have a k-member to measure. Before I go out and chase one up, I need to know if the gearbox will fit, without disturbing the lower portion of the k-member, as I want to run an unsplit wishbone. I'm aware I may have to trim/modify the upper portion of the k-member.

Thanks in advance.

[PeteVS]

I recently built a K member for a Model A frame, keeping everything in pretty much the same position as with a '32. The measurement I got from the INSIDE of the top frame flange to the centerline of the drive line is 3-1/2". That what you wanted to know?

[rotorwrench]

Most transmissions other than the 3-speed top shifters that were common replacements back in the day, were easy to fit the original rear engine mount that bolted to the K-member. When folks started changing to other types of transmissions and the later types, there usually is no need for the rear engine mount as originally installed. This led to a lot of buchery in the opening of the K-membrs or total removal in favor of fabricated crossmembers or X-members.

The top of the opening is very near the same dimension as the top of the frame rail due to the little kick up in the middle. I doubt if its much more that 1/2" (12.7mm) or so lower. My K-member is Tardel made so it's not original to check accurately.

Kerby

[tub1]

mark what abt a cross member from a truck it has a bigger hole for the gear box to fit through and a pivot ball mount for you wishbone on another note one of my mates has a 4speed toploader in a stock 32k member

[Mark from Australia]

Originally Posted by tub1

mark what abt a cross member from a truck it has a bigger hole for the gear box to fit through and a pivot ball mount for you wishbone on another note one of my mates has a 4speed toploader in a stock 32k member

I thought a truck chassis was deeper than a passenger car one, so I never considered that option, thinking the depth of the k-member was greater than 6". Thanks for the heads up.

I have both a Packard transmission and a T5, so i'm trying to find these dimensions so I can choose the trans that has the least disruptive effect on the k-member.

[Mark from Australia]

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Originally Posted by PeteVS

I recently built a K member for a Model A frame, keeping everything in pretty much the same position as with a '32. The measurement I got from the INSIDE of the top frame flange to the centerline of the drive line is 3-1/2". That what you wanted to know?

The 3 1/2" measurement is also a good one to have. Thanks

[tub1]

i will check both crossmembers i have both in shed but i think the truck one will work came frome 33 truck but i think same as aa ford truck they have rivited adapters so the fit chassis width i am going to use one in a chassis for a traditional hiboy my coupe has original k member with a 3speed falcon trans

[tub1]

mark i just compaired the 2 cross members the truck 1 is a very close fit and could be made bolt into a boxed chassis the pivot ball hole is 1inch lower than a passenger car one so what! a little extra castor wont worry u and the centre hole is larger so the trans will fit through do yourself a favour and look at 1. 32 fords should have radius rods not those otherthings 4 bars look shit .in my opinion

[Mark from Australia]

Originally Posted by tub1

mark i just compaired the 2 cross members the truck 1 is a very close fit and could be made bolt into a boxed chassis the pivot ball hole is 1inch lower than a passenger car one so what! a little extra castor wont worry u and the centre hole is larger so the trans will fit through do yourself a favour and look at 1. 32 fords should have radius rods not those otherthings 4 bars look shit .in my opinion

Again thanks for the advice on the k-member.
I have to agree on the wishbone vs 4-bar saga. Why fix what ain't broke?