Need Trans Crossmember help

[bprutter]

Ok, I am in the process of dropping my manual trans in my 97 explorer to replace the clutch and slave cylinder. I have followed the instructions on here and in the Haynes manual. I am at the point of removing the trans crossmember. I have removed the two bolts that parallel the frame rails, and the four nuts that hold the center part of the crossmember to the outside part. I also removed the two nuts from the bolts extending down from the trans to the crossmember. At this point, I expected the crossmember to basically drop off, but I can't seem to remove it. What have I missed?

Brian Rutter
97 XLT, auto
97 XLT, Manual
2001 Trans Am, Manual
1978 Trans Am, Manual
1939 Pontiac, Manual.

 

[rjcooperss396]

Most likely when the cross bolts were tightened (the ones that run parallel with the frame) it crushed mounts that are on the frame. I had to tap mine a little with a hammer to get the crossmember out.

 

[IZwack]

Place a jack under the transmission to support its weight - then pry the transmission cross member downwards and away from the transmission. If you have one, use a piece of wood between the transmission and the supporting jack.

 

[bprutter]

Thank you all for your help. The crossmember has been successfully removed. I just wanted to make sure I hadn't missed some obscure bolt before I broke out the Precision Adjusting Tools.