Transmission / Overdrive: Cross Member

[Charles Larmay]

I am having a 700R4 transmission put in my 74 Avanti. Can the cross member be modified or do I need to buy a new one to adapt to the frame.

thanks

[sweetolbob]

Short answer - Yes. It just needs to slide further to the rear of the existing mount position so you may need to narrow it and reposition the holes. Rear trans mount should use the same holes in the cross member. If you want to build a new one, here's the post on the one I built to install the T56 in my 74. It will need a slight modification as there is a small difference between the distance from the engine to the rear trans mount on the cross member between the 700 and the 56.

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?71767-Avanti-T56-Rear-Mount-and-Shifter-Position

Another thought, I believe the 700R4 was only offered in the Studebaker based frame starting in 83 and maybe 84/85? My point, it may be hard to find a rear crossmember made for the 700.

A great addition to a 74. Bob

[Charles Larmay]

Thanks a lot Bob