55.2-59 4speed OD trans and original crossmember

[Gribbs]

My 59 has a 200r4 with about 3/8" between its oil pan and my original crossmember. It could cause the need for removing the whole engine, just to drop the trans.
I have a new tubular crossmember installed to hold the transmission in place further rearward on teh frame of course, so how detrimental would it be cut out the old crossmember? I could have two brackets at either end to allow for bolting it back on afterwards, but if it can be cut out safely, I'd rather keep it out. The spring perches appear to be connected to the crossmember, so I am scared to hack at it.
Thanks for any advice. The truck goes to a tranny shop and I'm sure I'll have to let them chop the crossmember, or I'll have to haul the truck back to my much cheaper mechanic to pull the whole engine, but summer isn't getting any longer up here, so...