1998 2.5 2wd AX15 Swap
 

So i have had to locate another transmission, and i finally picked one up for $150, if i have an issue with it, they got about 3 more

But one thing i noticed when i swapped out my throw out bearing, that the crossmember is kinda in the way of removing the transmission, and theres 2 bolts which arent accessible unless the cab is lifted

I am thinking the only way to get it out, is to remove the bellhousing from the tranny then put it back on once its in place, but i also may Remove the engine mount bolts and lift the engine forward to remove the tranny, given the slack on some of the wires and hoses, i could easily lift the engine to the front of the engine bay, but im not too sure which route to go, it just looks like a PITA to remove the crossmember, if its even possible

The crossmember should just have 2 bolts on each side, then slide it backwards in it's notches till it falls out?

so the top two bolts which are not accessible due to the cab are not holding down the crossmember?

shouldn't be. Should be two 18mm or so (wrench size) bolts on each side, there are openings in the frame rails for you to get at the head.

To remove the crossmember, you have to slide it back about 8 inches. That is what fooled me when i did it.

i have 4 bolts on each side, two higher ones, and two lower ones, the higher ones have holes through the frame as well, but u cant fit a tool unless u raise the cab, so im gonna see if the top two nuts are welded to the frame or something, i mean, the engine is two bolts and i can lift it up and forward if need be, i just dont understand how this crossmember comes out if im supposed to get all 4 nuts and bolts out and put em back in, 4 out of 8 are impossible

i dont remember having upper ones. When in doubt, hit the nuts and see if they'll pop out.

actually now that I say that, i think the nuts are slotted and the bolts go from the inside. I forget what I did to make it work, but I think the nuts may stay attached to the frame rail.

this is all the FSM shows.

Attachment 34450

i just said the hell with it, and cut slots in the cab where the bolts go, its only about an inch, so its not gonna be noticeable, and its not like its worth a whole lot, so some cutting, and a few whacks, and i moved the crossmember, but the damn gas line brace which is bolted to the crossmember, refuses to come out

but i got the AX15 out, and im gonna put the second one in here after a break, im gonna see about someone going to a store, so i can get some much needed Brew to help get this done....


Because Everything that can go wrong, has gone wrong