Cross member removal

[Bieb]

I am replacing my C4 with an AOD. One of the previous owners installed a 302/C4 combination. It appears that the PO cut out the cross member that also doubles as a support for the radius arms and welded it back. As you may know, I can not remove the transmission with this cross member in the way.

Rather than cut it again, It appears that I can remove the rivets that attach the radius arm bracket to the cross member and then remove the bolts that attach the cross member to the frame. I will use grade 8 bolts to replace the rivets on the radius arm bracket.

Each radius arm bracket has 4 rivets that attach to the frame in addition to the two that attach to the cross member. I do not plan to remove the ones on the frame.

Please let me know if this has been done before. I don't mind being the first to do this, but don't want to do it if someone else regreted doing it.

Thanks for the help.

[Dirty Offio]

Bieb,

Don't know if I would go that route. I would pull the cab mount bolts and jack the cab up 6 inches, block and then pull the trans. I am always learry of cutting rivets out. Just my .02 worth.

Offio

[averagef250]

Most of them have had the rivets cut. I've cut two trucks. Bolts will work fine. If you want to get showroom correct you can always just hot rivet it back in place. Rivets are pretty simple, they're still made and readily available.