Transmission Cross-Member Removal This article describes how to remove the transmission cross-member without hurting yourself. The cross-member is the large piece of metal that protects the transmission and transfer cases on the underside of your Jeep. It is also capable of squishing the shadetree mechanic fairly flat. While having this protection is essential, the size and weight of the crossmember make it difficult to remove.
You will need two metric sockets (19 mm, 13 mm), and an impact wrench or very large bar. The first step when removing the crossmember is to brace the transmission. The crossmember holds the transmission in place. If you were to remove the crossmember without bracing it, the transmission would fall to the floor and the fan would go through the radiator. So, let's set up the jack stand. In the picture below, I've placed the jack-stand (the gray one) on the transmission just in front of the crossmember.
Then put your jack on the crossmember and apply a little pressure.
There are four bolts that hold the transmission in place on the crossmember. Use a 13 millimeter socket to remove the four bolts.
The crossmember is held in place with 6 very tight bolts.
You don't have a chance at taking these things out with a 3/8" drive... I tried.
Nor - is there much chance of them coming out with an extension drive... I tried this, too.
But, you just might have a chance with an impact wrench - this worked for 5 out of the 6 bolts.
But that last one was still stubborn so I had to go with the bar.
Once all of the bolts are removed, the crossmember will rest on the jack and you can just slide it out. After the crossmember is out, reposition the jack stand so it is more secure. |
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