Step by step instructions on how to remove original crossmember??

[rex01atv]

Need a little help I am planning on removing original crossmember for PB dropmember. My truck still has engine in, and front clip on and painted. Please let me know step by step instructions on how to do this easy as possible while being very careful?? Any advise would help!

[PBFAB.COM]

I will be uploading a ton more pics on my site this weekend of Dropmember installs on several trucks. And will also be uploading the instructions. There should be plenty of visual help for you there.

What are you most concerned about? Just need a good process to follow? Do you plan on leaving your motor/trans in while doing the swap?

[Wild83C10]

I just installed my C4 DM and couldn't imagine doing it with the engine left in there. I didn't remove my front clip.
Have you changed anything on the front suspension before?
I would take a look through the build section. Maybe someone has some detailed pictures that might help.

[rex01atv]

Yea, I have installed tubular arms, spindalls and etc and pretty handy with basic tools. I was hoping to leave body parts on truck because of alignment issues???

[Spray-Bomb]

If you keep track of all your body shims & where they go, you can take the front clip off & get it back on without any major aligning to do

But since your truck has nice paint, I would prolly just mark where the hood hinges are on the hood & pull the hood off & the engine out

[Wild83C10]

If your good you could even pull the motor out without taking the hood off. All the body panels can stay on. No need to remove the fenders and radiator support. Like I said I left all that on with my install. I don't think it made it any harder.

[lolife99]

I recommend pulling the hood and engine/tranny combo.
You will need to install a new transmission crossmember anyway.
It will make running new brake lines easier also.

[rex01atv]

okay, thanks for all the great info!

[2tons of fun]

the removal it self is pretty easy. just getting to it is the pain.

you CANT do it with the motor in because the motor uses the crossmember for support, take it out and it will drop and hang and could fubar some stuff. having the motor/mount in there also makes it nearly impossible to get the uca braket bolts.

i prefer to take the front clip of because you are going to be doing a lot of crawling and miving stuff with sharp edges in and out of the truck.

once you get all the bs out of the way there are 7 bolts on each side. 3 on the bottom of the rail and 4 in the uca bracket. you do not need to worry about the springs coming out or the suspension coming apart, you wont be touching any of that, it will all come out as one unit.

[andrewmp6]

Yeah you gotta pull the engine while its out is a good time to paint the engine bay or even the engine if needed.

[63chevyll]

its possible with the engine installed, but i wouldnt sugest it,
it will prob take a couple extra hours removing the engine, but save MANY hours doing a crossmember replacment

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 2tons of fun

you CANT do it with the motor in because the motor uses the crossmember for support, take it out and it will drop and hang and could fubar some stuff. having the motor/mount in there also makes it nearly impossible to get the uca braket bolts.

You can use an engine hoist to slightly lift the motor so the c.member can come out. So.... it can be done. But, it would still be a PITA to access everything & would be highly recommended to pull the drivetrain out of the way if @ all possible.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

You can use an engine hoist to slightly lift the motor so the c.member can come out. So.... it can be done. But, it would still be a PITA to access everything & would be highly recommended to pull the drivetrain out of the way if @ all possible.

I did ONE with the motor and trans still in the truck. I even did it the "easy" way with a hoist and all the expensive equipment.... Now I always pull the drive-train when we do an install. As many have mentioned, it will make the whole process much cleaner in the end.

[rex01atv]

Nathan, do you recommend pulling the front clip as well or can I leave this on??? Do you pull tranny as well??? How many total hours do you think this may take a guy for my first time???

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by rex01atv

Nathan, do you recommend pulling the front clip as well or can I leave this on??? Do you pull tranny as well??? How many total hours do you think this may take a guy for my first time???

I would NOT find it necessary to remove the entire front clip.... just the inner fenders and the hood. I also recommend pulling both the motor and trans.

As for how long would it take... here's an estimate:

Remove hood and inner fenders: 1 hr.
Remove motor/trans: 2 hrs.
Remove stock suspension/steering components: 1 hr.
Clean and prep frame: 1 hr.
Installation of Dropmember: 2 hrs.
Re-routing of brake and fuel lines: 2 hrs.
Reinstallation of motor/trans hood: 2 hrs.

Then you have to worrry about exhaust and drive-shaft.

It is a straight-forward install and will not be difficult (technically), just take your time and don't rush it.

[rex01atv]

Thanks, I will be talking to you soon about ordering! I appreciate the insight.