Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission cross member

[SAndreasen]

Anybody have any suggestions how to reinstall the cross member it is an inch wider than the frame at the point where it is supposed to go . I've done these before and never had one this tight

 

[SnoKing]

They put a jacking and spread the rails. Got one of those jeep high lift ones? SNOKING

 

[RBeard]

When I R&R'd my transmission I had to put a jack in between the rails and slowly expand the rails until the plate fit. Hyd. jacks that will work horizontally are the easiest way to complete the task due to better control of the spread.

 

[SAndreasen]

Thanks guys I thought I read somewhere you have to spread the frame but wasn't sure . going to try the jack off my cherry picker

 

[BigPapa]

The cross-member is a wedge fit. Spreading the frame is not necessary. Put it between the rails forward or behind where it goes and slide it forward into place.

 

[SAndreasen]

the frame is 31 inches and the cross member is 32 inches believe me it won't just go In

 

[JR]

Like Big Papa says, get it up in behind the place where it bolts into the frame and slide it forward. Go as high as you can and then pull it down into place to line up the bolt holes. I can't remember for sure but I think I took the mount off to make a little more room until the crossmember was in place.
It is a wedge fit, just gotta find the sweet spot. No spreading needed.

 

[SAndreasen]

I've done a dozen of em and never ever had to spread one before