Tranny Cross Member Removal?

[Richard Dobson]

I am going to remove the crossmember that was for the three speed tranny in my C10. What is the best way? Big hammer and chisel? Heat up the rivets and chisel? I hope that I don't have to raise the cab, but it looks like it might be necessary to be able to reach the rear rivets. I may take the grinder to the bottom ones. Replies?

[dave2953]

I'm not sure if it's different for different years, but x-member in my '68 had bolts holding it in place. I was barely able to get a wrench on the bolts that lie under the cab and I didn't put them back after I reinstalled the x-member. ( I cut the upper "wings" off with a torch to make the install easier) If your truck has rivets I'd try and grind them out if you can get at it with a grinder. I think a chisel may be slow going.

[1969k10stepside]

Of all of the 67-72s I've ever had..the tranny crossmembers all bolted in.

[Tx Firefighter]

Fellas, he's talking about his 3 speed. Factory standard trans crossmember were all riveted in on 2wd trucks.

I usually take a sawzall and cut the center section out leaving the 4 flanges on the frame, then use the sawzall to shave the rivet heads off. Use a big hammer to knock the flanges off now and the rivet body's will pull right out. It's a pain no matterwhat though.

[68K20 x Drill]

I just did one with a sawzall and angle grinder.