Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Transmission Cross member installation

[DVolk]

I am assuming i have to some how try to spread the frame to get the transmission cross member in any tricks ?

I had beat it out .

I don't have a port a power i have bottel jacks or high lift jacks any ideas ??

 

[BigPapa]

Frame spreading shouldn't be necessary removing or installing. It's a "tapered" fit. Look at the frame rails where it bolts in and you can see the taper. Get it in between the rails close to where it goes and push it up against the top lip. At this point it will easily slide horizontally. Slide or tap it into position and then pull or tap it downward to align the bolt holes.

 

[GCroyle]

Big Papa nailed it, up first, tap back side by side, make sure is is UP!

 

[DVolk]

I will re look at it again , There must be a heck of a taper. As the cross member looks too wide to go back in . I guess i should have asked this question in my posting
Can the member go in with the Transfercase in place ?
Also does anyone have a pic of the OEM transmission mount in a 98 with a NV4500 ?

 

[GCroyle]

Donovan,

Sorry, I don't have a pic of the X-member, mount or if can do w/transfer case. But We've done this install on a '97 and a couple other NV4500's. We kept the top of the cross member right up there, rubbing on the bottom of the cab and lightly tapped it forward, up, forward, up etc. Small bites on each side and it was in place. Then to seat it we would lower the trans jack, puts a bit of load on it and use line up drifts as req'd to locate it. We didn't spread the frame.

Gary

 

[BigPapa]

Look at the ends of your cross member. You can see the angle there. The common mistake when removing or installing is not sliding it backward before trying to remove it. This is a RWD:

 

[SAndreasen]

I had to spread one once used the hydraulic jack from my harbor freight engine hoist . I had beaten on it every way possible and it wasn't going I don't care what anybody says I've done a lot and it's the only one I've had to spread

 

[DVolk]

So if i am understanding this correct .
It sounds like i need to jack my transmission and t case up so i can get the cross member in from the top and pull down ?

 

[GCroyle]

We did our install on a lift. When we removed the cross member we raised the trans up enough to remove the trans mount. Mount gone, creates several inches of clearance. Look at BigPapa's pic you can see the mount.

 

[BigPapa]

Look at the pic. Of course you'll need to support the transmission. The cross member easily fits between the rails everywhere besides where it bolts, so put it between the rails, hold it as high as you can and slide or tap it forward into place and let it settle into position. Align the holes and bolt it up.

 

[DVolk]

Ill do some looking and report back

 

[SAndreasen]

Yes you need to jack up the trans then drive the crossmember up turn it a Little and it should come out

 

[SAndreasen]

Don't let it fall on your head

 

[DVolk]

Im going back in

 

[DVolk]

It was a fight but i got it now i just need to figure out the transmission mount ,what i am going to use