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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: bake315 on April 21, 2012, 08:07:18 pm

Title: tranny crossmember removal
Post by: bake315 on April 21, 2012, 08:07:18 pm
Hey guys,

I'm in the process of dropping my sm465 tranny, and I've run into a problem.  The crossmember is bolted to the frame in several different ways, one of those being the upper edge.  Those bolts spin when I try to remove them.  Problem is, there's no apparent access to them where I can get a wrench on them, because the cab appears to be sitting directly on that part of the frame.  Am I really going to have to raise the cab in order to remove the crossmember? 

I've attached photos for clarity's sake.  I'd really appreciate any input y'all have.

bake315
Title: Re: tranny crossmember removal
Post by: zieg85 on April 21, 2012, 09:00:29 pm
You will have to use a small pry bar to wedge in between the cab and frame enough to slip a closed end wrench on it.  I just went through this when I went from a TH350C to a 700R4 in my 85 C10.
Title: Re: tranny crossmember removal
Post by: bake315 on April 21, 2012, 09:43:37 pm
You will have to use a small pry bar to wedge in between the cab and frame enough to slip a closed end wrench on it.  I just went through this when I went from a TH350C to a 700R4 in my 85 C10.
Pry bar it is, then.  Thanks!
Title: Re: tranny crossmember removal
Post by: bake74 on April 22, 2012, 06:44:53 am
     Well that sucks, I am going to have to do the same thing in a couple of months.  :(
Title: Re: tranny crossmember removal
Post by: zieg85 on April 22, 2012, 09:21:48 am
You only have to do this if your body mounts are really gone.  I could get a wrench on mine but had to pry the cab floor up to remove the bolts to move them over to the next set of holes.  Mine being a 85 had just the passenger side to deal with.
Title: Re: tranny crossmember removal
Post by: jaredts on April 22, 2012, 09:33:30 am
You only have to do this if your body mounts are really gone.  I could get a wrench on mine but had to pry the cab floor up to remove the bolts to move them over to the next set of holes.  Mine being a 85 had just the passenger side to deal with.
Your cab looks very close to the frame.  I'd also suggest checking the cab bushings.
Title: Re: tranny crossmember removal
Post by: VileZambonie on April 22, 2012, 10:16:04 am
Agreed, something is off. Check the cab mounts for starters.
Title: Re: tranny crossmember removal
Post by: bake315 on April 22, 2012, 02:37:09 pm
Yep, the mounts/bushings are shot, all right.  Looks like I'll be adding them to the list for replacement.  ::)

Thanks again, fellas.