C Beam question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,252
Likes: 2
From: Silicon Valley Kalifornia
C Beam question
What is the original intention of the C Beam (besides an installation nightmare). Why didn't GM employ a trditional tranny crossmember and rubber mount? I know I read about it years ago but can't remember why.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
St. Jude Contributor
Re: C Beam question (GRX)
I think rigidity is behind the engineering.
Perhaps ease of assembly on the line (I said on the line, not at home) had a hand in it as well.
It's not that bad if you get some "gear wrench" stubbies to work on top of the C-bar. Better yet, pick up some "C-bar clamps", I may be calling them by the wrong name, I have there web site at work. They're like nut plates that you install on top, they replace the hex nuts, then you only rachet the bolt in from the bottom.
They're called C-beam plates, here's the web site.
http://www.zfdoc.com/c4beamplate.htm
[Modified by edsalinas, 6:37 AM 7/1/2003]
[Modified by edsalinas, 6:37 AM 7/1/2003]
Perhaps ease of assembly on the line (I said on the line, not at home) had a hand in it as well.
It's not that bad if you get some "gear wrench" stubbies to work on top of the C-bar. Better yet, pick up some "C-bar clamps", I may be calling them by the wrong name, I have there web site at work. They're like nut plates that you install on top, they replace the hex nuts, then you only rachet the bolt in from the bottom.
They're called C-beam plates, here's the web site.
http://www.zfdoc.com/c4beamplate.htm
[Modified by edsalinas, 6:37 AM 7/1/2003]
[Modified by edsalinas, 6:37 AM 7/1/2003]
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Re: C Beam question (Rich B.)
Its really to keep the rear from moving front to back and also to assist in it not twisting. If you look at the way the rears are help in there. There is no front to back support, other than the C beam.
Its not that hard to install. You just have to be able to manipulate the tranny up and down to get the c-beam on.
Its not that hard to install. You just have to be able to manipulate the tranny up and down to get the c-beam on.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 1
From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
Re: C Beam question (GRX)
My first time was a PITA!(that is, removing the C-Beam :lol: :lol: )....I was dreading putting it back on...but not a problem...now I feel like a pro.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: C Beam question (Bruthish)
I had no trouble getting my c-beam in n out the second time around. The nuts and bolts are all easily accessible on my '85
The c-beam takes up engine torque so the rest of the chassis doesn't have to.
The c-beam takes up engine torque so the rest of the chassis doesn't have to.
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