07/30/2022
Now comes in Black!
Here is the S10 Handling almost "ALL IN ONE" adjustable transmission crossmember. I built these to provide an alternative for us s10 folks who require more adjustability, fitment options and who are tired of buying multiple cross members! If you don't already know read on!
This crossmember will work with all 2wd 1st and 2nd gen S10 pickups and Blazers.
This crossmember will work with the following Transmissions and many more ALL IN ONE!
T56, 700R4, 4L60, 4L60E (96+), T5, TH350, TH400 (short shaft), SUPER T10, MCLEOD 5 SPEED, NV3500, AR5, MUNCIE M20, M21, M22, SAGINAW 3/4 SPEEDS, LS T56, POWERGLIDE, 2004R, NVG GETRAG 5LM60, MG-290 and HM-290.
For the transmissions listed below,
a special extended bracket is available..
4l80E,6L80, 6L90, and TH400 (long shaft).
(Note: these transmissions using extended brackets will not work with all the transmissions listed to work with the standard brackets. Let me explain.. All extended brackets stated to work with certain transmissions, are exclusive for that transmission when using the stock bellhousing location in relation to the chassis (see next paragraph). Now if the engine is moved rearward by the amount of extension built into the bracket, the end brackets will work with all of the transmissions that the standard bracket will allow for, with the exception of the powerglide, TH350, 3/4 speeds and other transmissions of the same shorter length).
I have included a picture of where the stock bellhousing location is on the chassis, so that you have a reference point. This is very important because, if the engine is set back further, I need to know so you receive the right brackets!! All of my measurements are based off of this location!! If your engine to bellhousing mounting point differs from this location, or point of reference, this transmission crossmember may not work for your application without either moving the engine or the use of "setback end brackets". I stock extended brackets in 1",2" and 3.75" offsets. I can also make custom lengths, if I know how much you need.
Also some T56 Transmissions are longer than others, the LT1 is 25.9" and the LS is 27" bellhousing to mount. Some aftermarket T56 Transmissions are even longer! It's important to realize that these brackets will be at their limit with a Powerglide, 2004r, TH400, and LS T56 and may require the engine to be moved slightly forward or back depending on where the engine sits. In the picture listed, it illustrates the correct position of the engine to bellhousing point. This is usually not a problem with conversion engine brackets as they offer adjustment back and forth.
This crossmember has multiple adjustable positions forward, back, and side to side. Over 9" of adjustment!
4 elongated slots are present on each "end bracket" that bolt into two of three holes on the frame and or "pickup bracket". Different Transmissions will dictate which holes are used. These "end brackets" are right and left swappable giving you greater adjustability. The end brackets also have 1 inch elongated slots for the cross tube. This makes it possible to slide side to side, and adjust for different frame widths. The cross tube also has some adjustability built into it as well where the transmission mounts bolts down. These elongated slots give you more adjustment when the end brackets are in between "end bracket" slots.
There is a difference between the pickup and Blazer crossmember only with the addition of an adapter bracket. This is not required for the Blazer. This means that if you buy it for a pickup, and decide later you want to use it on a Blazer, all you have to do is ditch the bracket and it'll bolt in.
Exhaust Clearance for the "straight style" crossmember will still accommodate a driver's side 3in exhaust tube leaving an inch of clearance between the floorboard on pickups and 2" on a blazer. So a total distance between the floorboard and the top of the crossmember is 4.25 on the pickup and 5.25 on the blazer. Please note the passenger side has much more room because of the way the floorboard was designed.
P.s. I don't recommend using exhaust bigger than 3" on the driver's side of pickups or getting closer than 1" from the floorboard on either version, due to the concern of fire or melting the carpet.
Exhaust rerouting may be required over the top of the crossmember and Catalytic converters must be moved if equipped!
I now offer an optional " notched" crossbar for those who are running long tube headers or simply want that style. Please note: if possible
I recommend using the straight bar style, being that it is lighter, and less expensive.
Some shiming or spacing is usually required at the transmission mount depending on the transmission and mount you use. The shorter transmission like the powerglide, th350 and 4 speeds typically require a thicker spacer due to the shorter length.
Some conversion mounts and motor plate installs, will move the engine up or down which obviously will change the angle of the transmission. The nature of the adjustability built into this crossmember makes it impractical to account for differing transmission/engine angles. With this said if you require close to no angle. the brackets can be flipped upside down and switched side to side to account for this.
On 2nd gen Blazers and Pickups there are slight modifications that you need to do on your frame! The second gen boxed the bottom of the frame rail in with a plate. This plate sometimes has a weld that needs to be ground down to prevent interference with the bracket. (See pics)
Also on the 2nd Gen pickup, the passenger side frame rail has an added factory bracket that was used to mount a crooked crossmember to. When using my cross member, the end brackets when in their rear most position, will contact this portion. Clearancing this factory bracket slightly will enable you to have full range, the bracket only needs to be clearanced slightly about 5/8" back. (see pics)
If you request extended length brackets this factory bracket may have to be cut out more or removed.
These are made by myself here in the USA!!
These come powder coated with mounting hardware and a complete detailed list of instructions and diagrams to help assist in proper installation.
Prices.. ( Want a 14.99% discount to these prices? Message us for more information on how).
Blazer crossmember..
281.73 - standard
293.22 - with 1" or 2" ext. brackets
316.22 - with 4l80/3.75 ext. brackets
Pickup crossmember..
339.22 - standard
350.72 - with 1" or 2" ext. brackets
373.71 - 4l80/3.75 ext. brackets
Optional notched style crossmember add 138
To your choice above.
All parts can be acquired separately if needed.
If you're interested let me know what your ZIP code is and I can calculate the shipping.
I'm also on Instagram if you would like to see more pictures and custom built parts.
Instagram.com/s10handling
