Aisin Crossmember Mod?

[Bob4x4]

View attachment 98781it makes it easy to get the 4 rear transmission pan bolts. and take the pan off. another pic

Damaged threads in the case or just lost the original bolts ??

 

[Kirwin]

I've thought about dropping the pan the first time using Greg's method and changing the bolts to Allen head cap screws. Be easier to use an Allen head socket to insert the bolts through the tight clearance and you could better feel the threads start. That would not help with the pan installation/gasket concern though.

 

[TCDiesel]

You can loosen the 3 CM nuts and raise the Trans 3/4" and get to the Bolts, I give you guys credit for the innovations thats for sure. When I ask PML to design their New Pan with indentations and 30* angle they would sell big time....Did they do it "NO"...

 

[MJWenrich]

Joe said 10mm and Bob shows 8mm. Which one is needed for the pan? I could crawl under there I suppose but if someone knows the answer, I can still sit here with a cup of Jo in hand and shop for the correct socket.

 

[gsbrockman]

Joe said 10mm and Bob shows 8mm. Which one is needed for the pan?

10mm for my '14 3500.

 

[RACE427]

Super nice and professional modification along with perfect welds !! Great job !

 

[Cummins12V98]

After looking at mine recently I think I will cut 4 radiused slots and use some 1/8" wall tubing to infill. The slots will be shallow at the bottom of the crossmember and deeper at the top edge, this will allow for the easy use of a wobbly and socket! The light bulb has illuminated!!!

 

[masterdrago]

For a couple hours of my time and very little money I think I will do as shown in the pic above. Really sad that they don't come that way. Maybe my new 2019 won't have to be modified!!!

Keep dream'n bud! That little 8mm wobble thingy is cheaper at AMZN https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-80254-4-Inch-Drive-Socket/dp/B001LDJD80

 

[Cummins12V98]

My quick artists rendering! IMHO this will be much quicker and be VERY strong. Comments???

 

[RACE427]

Yes, this will work also as long as you have room to drop the pan and slide it out without any crossmember interference. All good ideas which will still require a good penetrating weld to insure it is as strong as originally intended.

 

[RACE427]

Wonder if replacing the bolts with ARP studs would be a better way to go? ARP studs have a rounded top of the stud to help start the threaded nut on super easy. ARP has super strong, top quality hardware which should prove to be helpful. Just a thought.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Keep dream'n bud! That little 8mm wobble thingy is cheaper at AMZN https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-80254-4-Inch-Drive-Socket/dp/B001LDJD80

I agree the combo you show will REMOVE the bolt easily but it's getting that small bolt started is where the problem arises.

I still may remove like pic shown previously with a full section removal. I will be doing something this Summer as my 60K service will be in 7K.

 

[gsbrockman]

The light bulb has illuminated!!!

That is a brainstorm......but anything in your brain is a storm !!! :-laf j/k

 

[Cummins12V98]

Hey that hurt my "FEELING"

 

[hbowers]

I modified mine then bought another at a wrecking yard.I have got the third one modified now. where do you live? might be cheaper to come to my shop than ship them

 

[brillmtb]

Can I just say I am showing these pics to my 14 yo who wants to go into engineering and he is wondering what dump ?ss created this crossmember

 

[TCDiesel]

Its call Production change...the Dodge/Ram Pickup was OEM 68RFE/MT trans have no issue with the CM the 69 Aisin does, it would cost $$$$$$ to make 2 different CMs

 

[KPear]

I just did a pan removal and needed a harbor freight wobbly extension and a short 10 mm socket (1/4" drive). No cross member mods needed, and it did not have to be removed and the trans did not have to be raised. Astonishingly easy.

I do not understand why 'modifying' the cross member is necessary if others (like the poster above) have proven that you can remove all the bolts with simple tools.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I do not understand why 'modifying' the cross member is necessary if others (like the poster above) have proven that you can remove all the bolts with simple tools.

It's NOT the removing part that is the issue! It's the getting the small bolts started!

 

[Kirwin]

I pulled mine today. I will get some pictures when it comes back. Ken Irwin