Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Getting the DARN Crossmeber back in

[moremph]

We are here trying to get this nv4500 back in so we c an go get my truck which dropped a dual mass flywheel in illinoise yesterday. Cant get teh darn crossmember back in for anyhting. Idea s procedures methods are appreciated. Thanks Travis

 

[Trizae]

Big Hammer,,,,,,,,,,,, No Joke,,,,,,,,,, thats what it takes,,,,,,,, my service has probally done 100 or some 4500,,,,,,,,, get a big hammer

 

[gpeddicord]

It seems mine was smaller at the bottom than the top, but once again, big hammer.

 

[Joe G.]

Rent a port-a-power so you can spred the frame a little bit. It slips right in then.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Find an area towards the rear or beyond the transmission where the frame is wide enough for the crossmember to slide right up. Then slide it forward while holding it up so it does not wedge tight. Once you get it in place, slide it down. I forget but you may have to have the transmission jacked slightly to do this. No need for porta powers, big hammers, jacks etc.

 

[Joe G.]

That does not always work. It does not work on my '95. I've tried every way to find a way to slide it in without resorting to force. In fact, when the cross member on my truck is in place the frame clamps it. Can't even be moved without a hammer. I made a little tool using a small screw jack to spred the frame for me.

 

[gitchesum]

Portapower makes things much nicer. We've also had to use a bottle jack and a 4X4 peice of wood once before too.



Sometimes they slide right in, sometimes they need a little persuasion.

 

[Dkevdog]

Originally posted by gitchesum

We've also had to use a bottle jack and a 4X4 peice of wood once before too.

This is what Reddge and I did to when we installed the clutch in my NV5600. It's amazing how far you can (and have) to spread the frame to get it back in !!



Kev

 

[dieselburner]

Port a power is the answer. I have done it without one twice but it makes it a lot easier.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Replace the cross member before having the transmission mount on the 4500. Have the trans jacked up high, toward the floor pan. Be careful not to damage the fuel lines on the left side. Slide the cross member in high, maybe an inch above where it will settle on the angled pads. Install the trans mount and slowly lower the trans, pushing the cross member down into position. You can use a screwdriver or centering punch to fine tune its position, matching up the bolt holes in the frame to those on the cross member.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Okay so it is apparent that the frame width can vary. Is this a country of origin deal or what? My truck came from south of the border. It's a 97' and like I said, the crossmember slides right in.

 

[gcorron]

Got NOTHING to do with Country of Origin.



I've used the hammer method, sometimes works, but a bottle jack and 4 X 4 (2 X 4) in a pinch has always worked well, and I always had one around. They're cheaper than renting a porta power also... ... ..... AND multi-functional

 

[Joe G.]

Mine was also made in Mexico. Big fight to get it in if the frame is not spread.

 

[Jff24Gordn]

Caution, if you use a hi lift jack, it will not back down, it has to be hammered out, and then if you tried to back it out, you will need a rebuild kit for the jack. Not that I have ever done this before.

 

[krs]

No, No, No.

Turn the crossmember so it's lengthwise with the truck, then put it above the frame. Turn it to be across the frame and lLOWER it into place. Works every time (if only I could describe it as easily).

 

[JerryTurbo]

QRTRHRS is right. 8" to the rear the frame is wider. Position it there high enough where it slides in place and move it forward in place then tap it in position. I found this out the hard way.