I need to modify the front differential mount/crossmember to gain some ground clearance for the duel exhaust.
Even though the stock rubber mount and restraining strap are a prone to failure, I was going to stay with them as I got them new when I bought my donor car. However, as I pondered how to modify the crossmember, it became clear that keeping the stock mounting location on the crossmember would be problematic. I decided to spend a little $ and convert to the RT (Ron Tyler) style mount that virtually everybody building a V8Z uses. It replaces the top restraining strap with a steel bracket and energy absorbing isolator, so that the front of the differential now hangs from the mount instead of resting on the crossmember. Once that was done I modified the crossmember as follows:

I purchased two crossmembers at Pick N Pull for $18 each.

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Using one crossmember, I made a welding jig from some scrap steel.

jig.jpg

I cut the crossmembers in half and welded the two pieces with exhaust recesses together.

weld.jpg

I notched the area that interferes with the diff mounting bolt and welded in angle stock.

notch.jpg

A little paint, and it's done.

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