Aisin Crossmember Mod?

[robroy90]

In issue 95 of TDR (on page 7) there is a nice (but incomplete) write-up from Randy Shipman about getting a new crossmember and making modifications to it so that the pan for the Aisin transmission could be dropped without removing the crossmember. I called the dealership and inquired about purchasing a new crossmember and then having the tech who originally did it do another for me, but never heard back.

Has anyone else since acted on this excellent idea? If so, are there better details available (clearer photos and details) on how this is done? Even better, is anyone who has done it willing to do another? I would gladly pay for the part and labor/materials/shipping, etc. I only want to prop up my transmission once (just to do this swap!).

Thanks,

-Rob

 

[VicR]

Good idea, I'd probably get one too.

 

[Bob4x4]

Using a 1/4 drive Snap-on swivel socket will work on most trucks.Using 1/4 drive tools on the pan will result in less damaged threads as well.

 

[Cummins12V98]

My Son did the pan removal on his 15 AISIN, it was a PITA!!!! There has to be a better option. I have not read the article.

 

[hbowers]

I modified mine today.I removed it,took it to a certified welder friend and told him what I wanted done. one hour later it was ready to go back in. I,ll try to post a pic.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Thanks for the pic! I think I will mod mine this Summer.

 

[SnoKing]

I modified mine today.I removed it,took it to a certified welder friend and told him what I wanted done. one hour later it was ready to go back in. I,ll try to post a pic.View attachment 98770

Maybe the picture does not do justice to his work?????

 

[Deleted member 995608]

So he notched the center section of the crossmember to make clearance to drop the pan? I haven't looked at mine but I need to; approaching 30k on the ole Aisin.

 

[robroy17]

Thanks for taking the time to share this! I never was able to get the parts guy (up in Wyoming) referenced in the TDR article to get back to me. I called twice. I was willing to buy a new crossmember and have their shop mod and ship it to me. This is an even better approach and cheaper, I am sure! I really appreciate it!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Don't think dropping the pan has anything to do with it. I say it makes it easy to get to the front pan bolts.

 

[hbowers]

I had him cut out a section 13 inches wide and take one inch out. and weld it back in.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Don't think dropping the pan has anything to do with it. I say it makes it easy to get to the front pan bolts.

So it doesn't make dropping the transmission pan easier? Just make easier access to the bolts?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

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.

 

[Bob4x4]

It is that simple and cheap...............
http://www.sears.com/gearwrench-1-4...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CNDDqdCVi9QCFUFXAQodXqEOMg

 

[Cummins12V98]

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.

Yea but you are the RAM "GURU" !!!

I will buy the wobbly socket mentioned and try that first. My son used a standard 1/4" wobbly n small socket and 1/4" extension. Had to raise the trans and still was a PITA.

 

[SnoKing]

Or one of this might work.

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-J476...5726709&sr=8-9&keywords=1/4"+wobble+extension

 

[gsbrockman]

For those that are NOT removing the crossmember.......is the bolt installation as easy as the bolt removal? In addition......due to clearances between the pan and crossmember, is the gasket staying in place fairly easy?

 

[hbowers]

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

 

[gsbrockman]

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

Great pic......and nice job.

 

[Cummins12V98]

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!!!