I'm about to drop the oil pan on a 2004 dodge ram 1500, 5.7 hemi. I noticed there is a bracket at the back that bolts to the bottom of the block, and to the transmission. It has to be removed becuase it covers the oil pan flange on both sides. It appears to have something to do with the transmission mounting to the engine. My question is should I block up the transmission before I remove this bracket?

 

Moved to the correct section.

 

It's just a brace, and there are still going to be several other bolts hold the trans and engine together.

 

No, otherwise it would cause stress anytime it was removed to access the torque converter bolts. You're good.

 

Thanks guys, got it done