Aftermarket Transmission Crossmembers: 'Lightened' Versions vs Older

scoti · Oct 2, 2024

Has anyone used the newer 'lightened' versions of the various transmission crossmembers?

These newer units look like they're based on more modern laser cut/ladder assembled construction vs box tube w/press bent cut-out sections. I'm wondering if anyone has compared weights and/or strength (flex) between them?

It seems if they're just as strong yet lighter.... that's not a bad thing for the higher buy-in costs.

*Examples below are both 'Summit' branded*

scoti · Sunday at 8:57 PM

Revisiting this question & hoping maybe someone can fill in an unknown.

I picked-up one of the lightweight trans x-members & it weighs 20.5 w/hardware. Does anyone have one of the solid rectangular style they could weigh so there's a known number between the two versions for those that care?

Slowpoke · Sunday at 10:27 PM

If it helps i have a g force 200r4 unit and it weight out to about 33lbs no hardware

Sweet_Johnny · Monday at 2:20 AM

I can weigh a bone stock one (clean) if that number isn't readily available.

69hurstolds · Monday at 6:37 AM

Wow. About 2/3 the weight and just as strong, if not stronger. If the engineering was good on it the holes actually can make the unit stiffer than the solid one.

scoti · Monday at 8:32 AM

Slowpoke said:
If it helps i have a g force 200r4 unit and it weight out to about 33lbs no hardware

I think this one is pretty close to the g-Force (shape/pattern) just different materials/construction so that helps.

I still want to test rigidity for twist but based on unpackaging & a quick test fit under my 78's body, it feels like a solidly constructed x-member. I'm still trying to decide on how to complete that 'test'. I was thinking about putting one flange in the hyd press to lock the lateral position in place (100-Ton press so ~2k pounds min pressure) & using a 4' long .250 wall steel tube clamped to the opposite flange & try twisting it from level just to see what kind of give is/if possible (??).

scoti · Monday at 8:33 AM

Sweet_Johnny said:
I can weigh a bone stock one (clean) if that number isn't readily available.

This wouldn't hurt @ all just so members can see/understand the difference/s.

If you don't mind, please do if you get a chance. Thanks.

scoti · Monday at 8:37 AM

69hurstolds said:
Wow. About 2/3 the weight and just as strong, if not stronger. If the engineering was good on it the holes actually can make the unit stiffer than the solid one.

Exactly. The construction is also done w/keyed/slotted & welded tabs for positioning. It's a very decent piece of hardware.

Rt Jam · Monday at 12:37 PM

How strong is it and how strong does it need to be?
It's job is to hold up the back of the eng/trans assembly.

I had a T56 in a fox Mustang and it came with a laser cut crossmember. Not alot but I could feel it moving a bit.
Also in the middle of making a crossmember for my G body. It will not only hold up the trans, it will be supporting the front of a torque arm too.

69hurstolds · Monday at 2:56 PM

Rt Jam said:
How strong is it and how strong does it need to be?
It's job is to hold up the back of the eng/trans assembly.

I had a T56 in a fox Mustang and it came with a laser cut crossmember. Not alot but I could feel it moving a bit.
Also in the middle of making a crossmember for my G body. It will not only hold up the trans, it will be supporting the front of a torque arm too.

It's also provides frame support.

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Aftermarket Transmission Crossmembers: 'Lightened' Versions vs Older

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