Help!!! C-Beam removal?!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Canton GA
Help!!! C-Beam removal?!
I tried searching but it didnt yeild anything helpful...
I'm working on an 85, 4+3 to ZF6 conversion. I'm trying to remove the C-beam (I think thats what it is, the thing that kind of goes around the drive shaft?), but when I turn those big bolts on the bottm side it just spins and spins. I finally figured out that there are some nuts WAYYYY up on top that are just spinning.
How do I get those to stop spinning so I can get the c-beam off? What size are they?
I'm working on an 85, 4+3 to ZF6 conversion. I'm trying to remove the C-beam (I think thats what it is, the thing that kind of goes around the drive shaft?), but when I turn those big bolts on the bottm side it just spins and spins. I finally figured out that there are some nuts WAYYYY up on top that are just spinning.
How do I get those to stop spinning so I can get the c-beam off? What size are they?
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 12
From: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Go to http://zfdoc.com
I believe he explains the size of those bolts. He also sells a kit to eliminate what you are going thru. I think they are called beam plates.
Might be worth your while to check it out!
I believe he explains the size of those bolts. He also sells a kit to eliminate what you are going thru. I think they are called beam plates.
Might be worth your while to check it out!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,789
Likes: 0
From: [Quote=WOEII] Is dried brown doodie powders man! [/Quote]
You just have to get a wrench up there. I think I used vice grips because I didn't have a big enough wrench. If I didn't get the beam plates as mentioned above I would not have used vice grips.
Even after removing the bolts you may still have some difficulty in removing the C-Beam. If you remove your distributor cap and windshield wiper motor, you can lower the engine and trans (with a jack under the trans) a little bit and it will aid in removal.
Even after removing the bolts you may still have some difficulty in removing the C-Beam. If you remove your distributor cap and windshield wiper motor, you can lower the engine and trans (with a jack under the trans) a little bit and it will aid in removal.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 1
From: Geneseo Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06
It is a PITA. I laid the appropriate size wrench on top, flat against the C beam, and held it there with one hand to brace it, while turning the bolt.
The prospect of doing that again made me bite the bullet and get the beam plates. They make it very easy and also are supposed to strengthen the drive train. Someone on the C4 parts/wanted had some home made beam plates for sale a little while back.
The prospect of doing that again made me bite the bullet and get the beam plates. They make it very easy and also are supposed to strengthen the drive train. Someone on the C4 parts/wanted had some home made beam plates for sale a little while back.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Canton GA
Well, I've got the front 2 bolts out, and the tranny is resting on a scissor jack... pizza is here. 
How far down will the engine "sag"? Can I safely remove the jack and not worry about the engine falling too far? Should I remove the distributor cover place ?
How far down will the engine "sag"? Can I safely remove the jack and not worry about the engine falling too far? Should I remove the distributor cover place ?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 2
From: Parker, Colorado, USofA
I've gotten pretty good at it (I'm on R&R 4 or 5 now)...In MY car, the engine will lay back without harming the distributor or windshield washer motor. (and this is with the lack of space you have with a Superram)
Long term, you need to support the transmission.
I take a large crescent wrench up top and let it wedge itself against the tunnel. An impact rench makes this a non-issue removal.
Long term, you need to support the transmission.
I take a large crescent wrench up top and let it wedge itself against the tunnel. An impact rench makes this a non-issue removal.
