Transmission cross member broken bolts question

[muscleclone]

I am currently driving my 2003 4x4 v8 without the 4 bottom cross member bolts. They all broke off during my recent transmission removal. I am not driving off road at all, just city and highway driving. Is it OK to drive without these bolts.

 

[imp]

I am currently driving my 2003 4x4 v8 without the 4 bottom cross member bolts. They all broke off during my recent transmission removal. I am not driving off road at all, just city and highway driving. Is it OK to drive without these bolts.

@muscleclone If I remember right there are 4 other bolts entering the frame on the inside side of it? Most of the older Ford products used only 4 anyway, almost always going into the frame from the bottom. They must have had a reason to go to more bolts,ssibly a weaker crossmember design.

Think of the loss, if the remaining bolts failed, the rear of the trans. dropping down.......if yours has the second crossmember holding up the gas tank, the driveshaft above it, it would fall downwards against the crossmember. I'm assuming the V-6 setup is same as V-8. Such an event might break the fan blade, could cost a radiator as well. imp

 

[IndianaKenny]

I have felt your pain..... I had a similar situation on one of my previous Explorers. I don't own a welder or a cutting torch....yet. After I replaced the transmission, I had a local muffler shop tack 4 welds between the cross member, and the frame. I stress the location is VERY important, in the event you ever need another transmission swap, the welds can be cut, with easy access, with an angle grinder. DO NOT weld in the broken bolt holes, because they would be a pita to cut out. Plan the weld locations strategically.

On a side note, there are a few ways to get the broken bolts out, but I never had any luck, or patience, to have success.