Recently having to install a rear cross-member for an NV3500 5 speed I found that I had a VERY tight fit trying to get it out and definitely to put it back in.

To get it out I put a bottle-jack between the truck and the cross-member (CM), applied downward pressure to the CM gave it a couple love taps with my trusty 5Lb. some more pressure via jack a few more whacks. Finally came out.

At that point I knew putting it back in place would be a B$#@*^@.

Here's the easy way, at the mounting point, the frame was 2 ft 7 1/4 the CM was 2 ft 8 inches. So is it easier to spread a frame or squeeze the CM, the latter.

Put the CM in a vice side-ways (just a helping hand to hold it) wrap a nice 3/8 inch chain all the way around and join 2 ends with a ratchet type binder. I tightenend the chain until the span was 2 ft 6 1/2 inches and left it on for a few hours.

Upon release the ends varied from 2 ft 7 1/16 - 2 ft 7 1/2 inches. With a couple love taps of my trusty 5 Lb Manly Hammer the CM it slipped right in between the frame all the way up to its mounting position.

Enjoy

Cobra Driver

 

here is the solution. When reinstalling the crossmember, loosely connect rubber tranny moun t to crossmember and slip crossmember between frame towards the rear of the tranny. tilt it so that the top points towards the tranny, and now get a big heavy rubber mallet. Go to town buddy! Pound on the left, pound on the right, pound on that thing aaalll night... Just keep at it and make sure it's evenly moving fowards on both left and right side. You should be able to wack it into position on the top end, and then pound it some more till some bolts will fit through the holes in the frame and crossmember. when you get the bolts in position on both left and right sides, mount a couple of nuts loosely to prevent bolts from falling out and pound the bottom of the crossmember into position, then somehow force the crossmember into a position so that you can get the last bolts in, after that, tighten everything and your good.