Transmission crossmember or not?

You can if you like, but not needed. Check out this link and go to page 17. It doesn't matter to Eaton, it is up to the OEM. The common spring type is the lower picture. Most of the trucks I see with the rear support are 18 speeds. The others don't have them. The bell housing is stronger than you think. The rotational torque is higher than the gravity weight on the bolts. Volvos and Westernstars also have the rear engine mounts on the tranny bell housing so the same bolts are holding up the rear the engine on those trucks. It will be fine.
http://www.roadranger.com/ecm/group...roadranger/documents/content/rr_trig-0070.pdf

 

There are three different locations for the trans cooler. This is one of the spots.

 

I'm referring to the air cooled ones not the water cooled. I know the water cooled are mounted wherever they can bolt them up. I ran into that with my cousins KW.

 

i call it a slap spring just a flat pc of metal about 2inchs wide going from one frame rail to the other. helps support the trans and takes some stress off of the bellhousing.

 

You answered the question with that link. I found this info on what some transmissions weigh. Most are within 20 pounds no matter how many gears.

 

I hate to dig up an old topic but I would like to put my two cents in for future reference. I recently looked into this subject after switching to a 15 speed and couldn't really find any good info. I figured with the extra 100lbs of weight over my old transmission and the rough ground I drive I better have some support in the back. No scrap yards would call me back and the ones that did wanted $75 for a p.o.s one. I didn't even waste my time making a call to KW as the last time I called I don't think they appreciated it when I laughed and hung up after they told me the price of the part I was calling for. I decided to make my own but came up empty on a design with Google images so I made an exact replica of the one on my brothers Pete for under $40 and less than an hours work.




32" C channel & 3/8 plate $14
springs from Peterbilt $16 (used bros. VIN#, sales guy said he never sold these before lol)
5/8 x 6" Grade 8 bolts and nuts $5

 

Great job!! Even if it's not really needed, it's good insurance. Hey, trucks are expensive, so are repairs. A few dollars in prevention save a few hundred in repairs.

 

Yep, that looks real good. I am glad to see you didn't make too rigid buy putting in springs. The trans still needs some wiggle room when the engine torques a bit. Good job!