I have finally got around to replacing the trans in my girlfriends 98 and I had to use a heavy hammer to get the trans crossmember out,installing it was not very easy and it looks like to me that the frame needs to be spread some for removal and installation. Anybody else have the same problem when changing the trans.

 

Yup, the best thing to use is a Hi-Lift jack to spread the frame rails apart to get it back in.

 

I didnt use anything but body wt to get my cm back in. Started one end first & left the bolts real loose till I could yank the other side down enough to get the bolts on that side started.

 

Start it at the back where the frame is a little wider then get to banging with a 3 or 5 pound dead blow hammer (and ear plugs). A high lift jack would be ideal, but if you don't have one then you had better be good at swinging a hammer.

 

You're a man's man!

 

I just pull my trans to put a new converter in. The cross member is really easy. The vertical legs are slanted. All you have to do is make room for it to move up, then TAP the CM straight up then you can move it back by hand.

Floyd

 

If I had a lift and a trans jack I probably would not removed it but I am doing it on the floor with the truck on stands,I was wondering it having the stands on the frame caused it to be difficult. I did get it in easier then it came out but never had one that hard in any vehicle I pulled a trans before.