x-brace fitment

[2k1AmberR/T]

What are the chances your x-brace for a regular cab would fit with a 5 speed transmission? Does it tie into the factory automatic transmission crossmember? Would it fit without using that crossmember? What if the driveshaft was longer, would there be any potential interference? If you have any pictures (I think Kevin posted some pictures back around December or so but I don't remember taking a good look at them so I'll try to look for them again tonight or ask him on facebook) I'd love to see how tight the fitment is underneath and between the frame rails.

[98Dak408]

Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to crawl under a 5 speed Dakota to see what if any differences there are. I assume the transmission crossmember would be the only difference (shape or mounting location) as well as driveshaft length.

The x-brace does connect into the transmission crossmember. Do you have any pics underneath your truck? Is it the automatic crossmember just moved back an inch or so? It may be possible for me to modify the front two x-brace legs to fit your application.

If you have any pics to post or email me at Richard@hi-potek.com I would appreciate it.

[ddrango]

Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to crawl under a 5 speed Dakota to see what if any differences there are. I assume the transmission crossmember would be the only difference (shape or mounting location) as well as driveshaft length.

The x-brace does connect into the transmission crossmember. Do you have any pics underneath your truck? Is it the automatic crossmember just moved back an inch or so? It may be possible for me to modify the front two x-brace legs to fit your application.

If you have any pics to post or email me at Richard@hi-potek.com I would appreciate it.

Richard I will be ordering a kit soon! Ahh i can't wait for an x-brace lol

[98Dak408]

Richard I will be ordering a kit soon! Ahh i can't wait for an x-brace lol

Hey Russ! Sounds good. The x-brace really does make a significant improvement in handling and straight line performance. A guy recently purchased an x-brace, rear driveshaft loop/frame stiffener, and front driveshaft loop for his 600 hp ’99 Dakota CC. He was worried about chassis flex with the amount of power he was putting to the ground. He also picked up an engine torque strap. In addition, he installed Competition Engineering Slide-O-Link traction bars, the same set up I am running on my truck. I only wish I had 600 hp. :)

By the way, congratulations on you Caltrac win. That’s a nice improvement for your vehicle.

[ddrango]

Hey Russ! Sounds good. The x-brace really does make a significant improvement in handling and straight line performance. A guy recently purchased an x-brace, rear driveshaft loop/frame stiffener, and front driveshaft loop for his 600 hp ’99 Dakota CC. He was worried about chassis flex with the amount of power he was putting to the ground. He also picked up an engine torque strap. In addition, he installed Competition Engineering Slide-O-Link traction bars, the same set up I am running on my truck. I only wish I had 600 hp. :)

By the way, congratulations on you Caltrac win. That’s a nice improvement for your vehicle.

Thanks Richard! I'm excited to combine the caltracs with an xbrace!

[dakrt23]

What are the chances your x-brace for a regular cab would fit with a 5 speed transmission? Does it tie into the factory automatic transmission crossmember? Would it fit without using that crossmember? What if the driveshaft was longer, would there be any potential interference? If you have any pictures (I think Kevin posted some pictures back around December or so but I don't remember taking a good look at them so I'll try to look for them again tonight or ask him on facebook) I'd love to see how tight the fitment is underneath and between the frame rails.

here you go! let me know if you need more detailed pics as i will be removing xbrace temporarily to swap exhausts for smog when i get home..

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f154/dakrt23/P8140090.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f154/dakrt23/P8110089.jpg

god its been 4 months in europe now without my truck, cant wait to get home and rape that thing...

[2k1AmberR/T]

Thanks for the pictures Kevin. Looks like you lose a good bit of ground clearance? I'm in the process of swapping exhaust systems so the transmission will fit, once that is done the tranny will go in and then I'll see what I can do about stuffing an x-brace and driveshaft loop under there.

[98Dak408]

Thanks for the pictures Kevin. Looks like you lose a good bit of ground clearance? I'm in the process of swapping exhaust systems so the transmission will fit, once that is done the tranny will go in and then I'll see what I can do about stuffing an x-brace and driveshaft loop under there.
The hardware at the center of the brace is a total of 2” thick, and a tad more with the bolts protruding down (which is the same depth as the Kenny Brown CC brace). You can mount the bolts so the threads stick up into the undercarriage.

Are you moving the stock auto trans crossmember to make your manual trans fit?

[jmaack727]

here you go! let me know if you need more detailed pics as i will be removing xbrace temporarily to swap exhausts for smog when i get home..



god its been 4 months in europe now without my truck, cant wait to get home and rape that thing...

I do not see many trucks with an X brace and what looks like GSM exhaust did you have to do anything to get it to fit? I have wanted an xbrace for years now but here is what I am dealing with, I dont know if its just the rubber exhaust hanger stretching or what, I just do not see one being a bolt on.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/jmaack727/2000%20Dakota%20RT/DSC04233.jpg

[98Dak408]

I do not see many trucks with an X brace and what looks like GSM exhaust did you have to do anything to get it to fit? I have wanted an xbrace for years now but here is what I am dealing with, I dont know if its just the rubber exhaust hanger stretching or what, I just do not see one being a bolt on.I'm sure Kevin will respond when he gets the chance.

From what I recall he adjusted the exhaust and used some ingenuity when installing the x-brace. He mounted the crossmember 180-degrees around which provided more room for his exhaust as well.

Another guy with a Spintech exhaust used a washer between the passenger's side rear x-brace leg mount and the frame for a little additional clearance. As it is, there is 7/8" clearance between the top of the rear x-brace leg and the bottom of the frame rail.

I designed the x-brace to accommodate a variety of exhaust systems and arraignments while providing decent ground clearance along with a structurally sound design. Some adjustment may be necessary if you have mufflers that hang low. In my opinion, the benefits of the x-brace outweigh the possibly having to adjust your exhaust system.

[Last_in]

So whatever came of this? Richard, do you now know if your RC x-brace would fit a 5 speed truck?

If not, this weekend I'll get pictures of it for you and measurements. Then you can tell me.

[98Dak408]

So whatever came of this? Richard, do you now know if your RC x-brace would fit a 5 speed truck?

If not, this weekend I'll get pictures of it for you and measurements. Then you can tell me.No Patrick, I still need some pictures and measurements. If you can provide that I will appreciate it.