I am trying to drop my transmission and I need to remove the crossmember. I have all the bolts loose except for the four that are in the supporting brace that bolt to the top of the frame. My problem is I cannot remove those four bolts because the cab is a about an inch above them. How am I suppose to remove the crossmember?? What else do I need to do?

Thanks,

Airsoft1779. 1984 F150, 302, 3 speed transmision, 4x4

 

In my experience, you can leave those 4 top bolts in place, just loosen them off so the braces can tilt upwards.
They didn't completely clear the cross member, but lifted enough that I could knock it out from under them with a heavy soft-face hammer, without much effort; same going back in.

 

They are a royal PITA, but use a 15mm open end wrench on the bolt and the best solution on the bottom is an 18mm socket and a universal joint to turn the nuts. Be warned, they are what is called "prevailing torque" and are going to be tight all the way.

 

Yep, what both gentlemen said. You must loosen the nuts on the top bolts so the braces can tilt. In my case I was able to loosen them enough that I didn't have to hit it with a hammer, but I had to tilt one up and slip the mount out of that one, then tilt the other.

 

You guys should try it with an E4OD. The right side brace is almost vertical with the exhaust sitting almost on them. Maybe with a 300 or 351W it might be a little easier, but those paired 2.5" pipes are a snug fit.

 

The true duals I had on the 82 I sold went either side of the passenger-side brace and the pipes were tack welded together fore and aft of the brace. No way to tilt it up, had to take it off. Part of the reason I wasn't too interested in duals. And don't get me started on headers - oh, that's another thread.

 

Thanks guys. I loosened them enough to tilt out and got it removed.