[crdewolf]

Real basic question, but I'm frustrated at this smallest of things: I'm trying to drop the 4-speed transmission (Muncie) from my 67 Firebird, and I can't slide the crossmember forward, back, or sideways enough to actually drop the crossmember. Is there an easy way to drop the crossmember? Or do I have to drop the transmission with the crossmember in the car? The floorpan limits the movement of the crossmember (I have an el camino as well, and the crossmember is easy to remove after the bolts are removed)

[rdl]

It's tricky, but not that bad. If you look closely the side rails have two flat surfaces on which the cross-member sits. Each flat area is shaped like a crescent moon. Unbolt the trans from the member and raise it with a jack. With the cross-member unbolted from the rails, use a rubber mallet to knock one edge forward and the opposite edge rearward. It will likely wedge a little along the way, but it eventually will fall loose. Good-luck.

[Donovan]

Or loosen the body mount bolts on one side and gently raise the body there with a 2x4 brace. I loosen the bolts leaving a few threads still engaged. The body will lift enough to allow you to extract the crossmember without force.

[67ConvFB]

I had to loosen the body mounts on mine to get it out with my old mounts. After putting in new mounts, I could get it out without loosening them with a little persuation.

[crdewolf]

In the end, I had to loosen the body mounts--wow, what a F'd up way to get the crossmember out. I still had to use a mallet to pound the crossmember past the floor pan.

[Donovan]

double check your body bushings, sounds like they're collapsed

good job.

[crdewolf]

Figuring that the body bushings were warn (they look it, too) I ordered some new ones with the clutch kit. Thanks for all your help

[Region Warrior]

On all of mine, i just have to raise the trany about .5".
It's easier if you remove rear trans mount.