Crossmember

[Vaman]

No, it's not an upset TDR member... I'm trying to replace my clutch (finally) and the rear crossmember just will not come out. It's wedged between the frame rails very tightly (moves slightly but won't come out). Anyone have any suggestions/tricks? Thanks in advance.

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98. 5 2500, 24v, 5 speed, QC, 4x4, 4. 10 LSD, short bed, Line-X liner, tow package, camper suspension, Westin nerfs, camper shell, TST PowerMax Competition, 275 RVs, Psychotty air, HX-40, 4" straight pipe exhaust, ProComp A/T 305/70/R16s, EGT/Boost/Fuel pressure pillar gauges, Grover air horns... Love my Cummins, no love for Dodge

 

[Shovelhead]

Seem to remember a recent post where someone used the jack and wood blocks to spread the frame rails enough to alow the crossmember to drop down. Hope this helps.

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Ed Anderson
99 3500 Sport,6x4,QC,Black,Auto,4. 10,Everthing 'cept leather,stock until warranty runs out.
'76 H-D FLH, '98 FLHTCUI
"Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly"

 

[DennyDay]

It's a pain but Shovelhead is on the money. I used a portapower. Some times you can hammer one side to the rear. Put it back the same way. Doesn't take much but will not just drop out.

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Denny
'99 2500 4X4 White short Q cab to much added to put here
On Order- Mom's Ram 2001 Qcab CTD with auto trans and all the bells and whistles

 

[Vaman]

Just wanted to say thanks... that worked. I've wanted a porta power set for years and never bought one... it would definitely have come in handy today. I ended up using a car jack and some wood. Just a quick note, next clutch change, I'll let someone else have the pleasure of doing it.

 

[DieselB59]

Back when 300 hp was a lot and 12 valves was the only B in town, we began to have to start replacing clutches. Nobody would comment from the dealers on how to get the crossmember back in. An 8 lb hammer got it out. Mike and I used to hammer on them incessantly for hours to do the job. We heated them, put a grinder on them, and still no improvement. Then we got our porto-power. One man can do three clutch jobs in one day and still be home for dinner.

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Chris Timochko
*Association of Diesel Specialists Certified*
AUTO WURKS DIESEL R&D TEAM
1997 5sp 4X4, Rhino Linings, Espar Heater, A. W. D. HX40 turbo, ATS 3pc Manifold, BD 4" Brake, Marine Compression, A. W. D. Custom Tuned Injection Pump, A. W. D. Intercooler, A. W. D. /Mallory Fuel System and Braided Stainless Lines, A. W. D. 370B Injection Nozzles, Delivery Valves, Governor & AFC Spring Kit, Psychotty Air, NOS Diesel Kit, A. W. D. 6" Chrome Exhaust System, BD No Smoke Valet Switch, McLeod Dual Disc Clutch, Mag-Hytec Rear Cover, Cummins Chrome Kit, Optima Red Tops, Hadley Bully Horns, Hurst Line Loc, Goodyear Wrangler AT/S 305/70/16s. 15. 50@97mph on Goodyear All-Terrain tires. Dynoed at Ida's: 435 hp at the rear wheels.
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Project U96 - 1996 3500 2WD racer. A. W. D. Marine Ultra Low Compression, A. W. D. Teflon-coated Pistons, A. W. D. High Lift Camshaft, Ported and Honed Cylinder Head, Intake and Exhaust manifold; A. W. D. HX40 Turbocharger, ATS 3pc Exhaust Manifold, A. W. D. Water Mist Injection, A. W. D. Custom Fabricated Fuel System, Race Spec A. W. D. /BD P7100 Injection Pump, A. W. D. Custom High Flow Fuel Injection Nozzles, BD Auto transmission and Custom TC, Weld Draglites, Goodyear Eagle Drag Slicks, 5" Single Stack Through The Bed, Mag-Hytec on Rear and Transmission. 11. 54@115mph

 

[_Hyde]

When i did the clutch in my 96 4x4 I didn't spread the frame. If you take the mount off of the trans or transfer case and jack the engine/trans/tc up as far as you can you can push the crossmember up out of the wedge. Once you do this it will slide back out of the way. Worked so good for me I did twice going back in, I left the exhaust pipe mount off and had to put it back in. No sweat. Some large punches or line-up bars make the re-install go a little easier. Hope this helps.

Darren


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2001. 5 2500 4X4 SLT, ETH/DEE, 275s, Amsoiled, Mag-Hytec, Walker 21468, Passenger Side Grab Handle That DC No Longer Installs as of 7-00, Michael Brolin CB Mount, 26K@050701, ICQ: 103247365, IM: xxtreme223

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Originally posted by Shovelhead:
Seem to remember a recent post where someone used the jack and wood blocks to spread the frame rails enough to alow the crossmember to drop down. Hope this helps.

That was probably me. I measured between the frame rails, measured the stock jack and cut a piece of 2x4 to fit. Was able to hold jack and wood in place with one hand and hand tighten the jack with the other, then let go of both, insert jack crank and turn it about 10 times and voila slipped right in. Good and cheap too #ad




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Kurt Voss
********* 1999 2500 24VCTD AUTO 4x4 QC LB Laramie SLT, Luverne stainless steel nerf bars, 3 piece bug deflector, mopar mud flaps, Line-X bedliner, Blue Chip Fuel Management System (Premium), Psychotty Air, DD3's,TTPM, DD 4" exhaust, HX40, DTT VB/TC(91%) , Mag-Hytec transmission pan... YEEEEEHAAAA!!
2000 4x4 Z71 Tahoe, all options, rear AC, brush guard, nerf bars, mobile video system, after market 3rd row seat... the ultimate urban assault vehicle!

 

[Mopar-muscle]

hyde i have heard the same thing on the earlier trucks , that was thought we had when we did my trans , hammered it out , and there was no way it was going back in . try it on your 2001 , it won't be as easy .

 

[Tom C]

a soft headed sledge hammer works great.

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2001. 5 2500 4X4, QC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, SLT, SWB, DD1's, EZ, DTT VB & TC, Westech Boost/EGT gage, Trailer, Camper & Snow plow Packages, White, 35k# Cody Hitch, 20' Gooseneck Lowboy flat-bed Trailer.
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1975 Toyota Landcruiser, ARB Air lockers Front & rear, 400 Small Block, quadrajet 4 barrel, SM420 4spd, Stock LC transfer case with 2 or 4 high and 2 or 4 wheel drive Low gears, 15. 5x36" Radial swamper on 12" rims, Custom front & rear bumpers, Roll Cage, RCI racing seats, Warn 8274 8000# winch, 2. 5" spring lift, 2" body lift. Premier on-board power welder, on-board air, 4-wheel power disk breaks, power steering, Lot of fun.

 

[Mopar-muscle]

i made a spreader out of a piece of thickwall pipe and a piece of 3/4in threaded stock and 2 nuts , no as quick as a portapower , but does the trick and cost was low , but i'll be getting a potra power , hammering on them them does not instill confidence in the person you are doing a job for .