Trans Crossmember Removal
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Trans Crossmember Removal
Just pulled my ST-10 for rebuild. Since my car was an auto to 4-speed conversion, I have a bolt on trans crossmember. Car is 22" off the ground on jack stands, and was wondering if I remove the crossmember (for restoration) is there a chance the frame could bend, twist, disstort, or otherwise be damaged while it's hanging up on stands????
Tanks fellers..
Eddie
Tanks fellers..
Eddie
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
I'm not an engineer, but since you have the engine out already that reduces some weight right there. I assume you are pulling the transmission as well. I would think if you pull the crossmember, clean it, paint it and reinstall in a day or two, it shouldn't do anything. Now, if you're going to remove it and leave it like that for a few months that might be another story.
You could put an additional jackstand under the frame on each side at the location where the crossmember bolts to the frame just to be on the safe side. (You would end up with three jackstands on each side of the car instead of just 2) I think the key would be to get it out and get it back in , in a relatively short timeframe and not leave it out for weeks or months. It might not even make a difference but I would want a quick in and out. Just my 2 cents,
Kurt
You could put an additional jackstand under the frame on each side at the location where the crossmember bolts to the frame just to be on the safe side. (You would end up with three jackstands on each side of the car instead of just 2) I think the key would be to get it out and get it back in , in a relatively short timeframe and not leave it out for weeks or months. It might not even make a difference but I would want a quick in and out. Just my 2 cents,
Kurt
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
I am an engineer, but I design microchip circuits.
None-the-less, I say you are fine. My crossmember was out
for longer than I can recall - no issues at all.
OK - no issues IF the frame is not rotted away.
If the frame is solid, you have no reason for concern.
None-the-less, I say you are fine. My crossmember was out
for longer than I can recall - no issues at all.
OK - no issues IF the frame is not rotted away.
If the frame is solid, you have no reason for concern.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Thanks guys. Just wanted to be on the safe side. Engine is supported from underneith while the trans is out, and I'll also be researching clutches cause I want to change that too...while I'm in there.
Thanks again...
Eddie
Just wanted to be on the safe side. Engine is supported from underneith while the trans is out, and I'll also be researching clutches cause I want to change that too...while I'm in there. Thanks again...
Eddie
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i had my crossmember out when i did the engine trans swap and the car was on jack stands and had absolutely no problems...unless your frame is badly rusted i can't see you having any problems
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Originally Posted by bobs77vet
i had my crossmember out when i did the engine trans swap and the car was on jack stands and had absolutely no problems...unless your frame is badly rusted i can't see you having any problems
Eddie
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay Florida
Not wanting to hijack the thread, but you all might know this...
I have a 4 speed Muncie that I need to bolt to an automatic crossmember. I haven't an engine yet and the drive shaft is out, so no idea if it will bolt right up to the existing crossmember holes. I was told that all I needed to do was use the automatic transmission mount on my Muncie. Does that sound right?
68 4 speed body will sit on a 71 auto frame.
I have a 4 speed Muncie that I need to bolt to an automatic crossmember. I haven't an engine yet and the drive shaft is out, so no idea if it will bolt right up to the existing crossmember holes. I was told that all I needed to do was use the automatic transmission mount on my Muncie. Does that sound right?
68 4 speed body will sit on a 71 auto frame.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Cannonfl:
Took some pics for ya.
Here is a auto crossmember. Note tabs forward and P-Brake wheel bracket aft. Have pity on me...these parts just came out and still filthy!!
Here is a manual trans bracket with poly mount cushion.
Here is the whole trans mount and shifter mounting bracket as viewed from the top
Hope this helps you out some..
Just noticed I assembled the shifter bracket on the wrong side of the crossmember....but you get the idea...
Eddie
Took some pics for ya.
Here is a auto crossmember. Note tabs forward and P-Brake wheel bracket aft. Have pity on me...these parts just came out and still filthy!!
Here is a manual trans bracket with poly mount cushion.
Here is the whole trans mount and shifter mounting bracket as viewed from the top
Hope this helps you out some..
Just noticed I assembled the shifter bracket on the wrong side of the crossmember....but you get the idea...
Eddie
Last edited by Edzred72; Nov 23, 2005 at 09:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Sorry..pics too big for one post...here is the last pic of the trans crossmember with shifter mount bracket.
Just noticed I assembled the shifter bracket on the wrong side of the crossmember....but you get the idea...
hope it helps...
Eddie
Just noticed I assembled the shifter bracket on the wrong side of the crossmember....but you get the idea...
hope it helps...
Eddie
Last edited by Edzred72; Nov 23, 2005 at 09:30 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay Florida
Originally Posted by Edzred72
Sorry..pics too big for one post...here is the last pic of the trans crossmember with shifter mount bracket.
Just noticed I assembled the shifter bracket on the wrong side of the crossmember....but you get the idea...
hope it helps...
Eddie
Just noticed I assembled the shifter bracket on the wrong side of the crossmember....but you get the idea...
hope it helps...
Eddie
So, you used the 4 speed bracket without modes, right?
My shifter mounts directly to the transmission, so I probably wouldn't need the shift mount.
Last edited by cannonfl; Nov 24, 2005 at 01:08 PM.
