Quick Question about crossmember

[stangzroastrice]

I'm going to buy a newer crossmember for my 302 conversion because the one i have is all rotted out and ****, but anyway, I'm looking at a used crossmember somebody is selling and he says that the metal bushing (what the rubber bushings go into) is able to slide back and forth (aren't they usually welded?) Anyway, he said it might of never been mounted in a car because they were able to do that, but now im thinking, doesn't that mean its just an adjustable crossmember or if I buy it am I going to have to weld it?
thanks

 

[89MustangGX]

They're all the same, it's just a matter of where it is tack welded. Even the 'adjustable' ones are supposed to be adjusted and then welded.

 

[stangzroastrice]

is it ok to drive the car without it welded considering the engine is still supported by the front motor mounts?

 

[89MustangGX]

is it ok to drive the car without it welded considering the engine is still supported by the front motor mounts?

I don't really know if the tack welding adds any structural support, all it looks like it does to me is hold the adjustment of the crossmember. It can't slide once it's bolted up to the tranny anyway, unless the whole tranny/engine moves.

IMO, it may be fine to drive, but just because they are usually welded, and it may in fact add some support, I would want it tacked.