Author Topic: tranny crossmember removal  (Read 7081 times)

Offline bake315

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tranny crossmember removal
« 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
« Last Edit: April 21, 2012, 08:09:08 pm by bake315 »
• '73 Cheyenne Super C20 454/400 http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7672.0
• ’79 Scottsdale K10 350/NP208/SM465 “Oscar” http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=37885.0
• ’87 Custom Deluxe R30 350/400 “Felix”

Offline zieg85

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    • 73-87 GM squarebody extended cab and conversions up to 91 R/V series
Re: tranny crossmember removal
« Reply #1 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.
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Offline bake315

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Re: tranny crossmember removal
« Reply #2 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!
• '73 Cheyenne Super C20 454/400 http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7672.0
• ’79 Scottsdale K10 350/NP208/SM465 “Oscar” http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=37885.0
• ’87 Custom Deluxe R30 350/400 “Felix”

Offline bake74

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Re: tranny crossmember removal
« Reply #3 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.  :(
#1: The easiest and most obvious solution to any problem is 99% of the time correct.
#2: There is no such thing as impossible, it just takes longer.
  74 k10, 77k10    Tom

Offline zieg85

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Re: tranny crossmember removal
« Reply #4 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.
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/

Offline jaredts

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Re: tranny crossmember removal
« Reply #5 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.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: tranny crossmember removal
« Reply #6 on: April 22, 2012, 10:16:04 am »
Agreed, something is off. Check the cab mounts for starters.
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Offline bake315

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Re: tranny crossmember removal
« Reply #7 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.
• '73 Cheyenne Super C20 454/400 http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7672.0
• ’79 Scottsdale K10 350/NP208/SM465 “Oscar” http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=37885.0
• ’87 Custom Deluxe R30 350/400 “Felix”