How many cross-members can I remove?

[zoombyu86]

I am swapping my 2000 Ltd auto trans and taking it out was a PAIN IN THE A$$. I obviously removed the trans cross-member but still had the front sway and the rear cross-member in. I plan on taking the front sway out since its never connected.

Question: Can I remove the 2nd cross-member without any movement in the frame in order to get the trans back in easier? I'm not sure if they provide and static resistance to the frame moving or if I'll need to get a large strap in there around the frame to hold it together (which defeats the purpose of removing the member).

 

[mtbtim]

I am swapping my 2000 Ltd auto trans and taking it out was a PAIN IN THE A$$. I obviously removed the trans cross-member but still had the front sway and the rear cross-member in. I plan on taking the front sway out since its never connected.

Question: Can I remove the 2nd cross-member without any movement in the frame in order to get the trans back in easier? I'm not sure if they provide and static resistance to the frame moving or if I'll need to get a large strap in there around the frame to hold it together (which defeats the purpose of removing the member).

When I helped [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] replace his transmission, the frame will move some when you disconnect both cross members. The first cross member will come out easy because the other one is holding the frame tight. We removed the front cross member first under the transmission, which is cross member #3, and then removed the rear cross member, which is cross member #4. When we started to remove the rear cross member bolts, one on each side, and the frame shifted a bit outward and made the last 2 bolts locked in there. We grabbed a big pry bar and was able to wedge it into the frame and then apply pressure on the cross member towards the middle of the truck to take pressure off the bolt on that side. Same goes for getting the cross member back in. You'll have to use some persuasion with a big pry bar to get the bolt holes lined up.