rmc

Hey everyone,

So after fighting for about 2 hours to get one of the studs out, I was finally able to start bolting the crossmember back to the frame with the spacers between them. My problem is this: When lowering the transfer-case (and crossmember), the holes for the bolts become offset to a point where it became impossible for me to get the last bolt in. I've since taken the spacer out which only had the one bolt in it because I thought maybe I would have to file the two holes in the spacer to make the bolt able to line up but I havent gone ahead and done that yet. The holes only line up when the crossmember is flush with the frame like it is stock. I can't get any play wiggling the crossmember side to side to make the bolts line up with the holes either, and am weary about sticking s screwdriver up there to line them up cuz I don't wana damage the threads. Anyways, my questions usually only get 1 or 2 responses if I'm lucky but I'm just curious to know if other people had this problem and what their solution was.

Thanks guys.

93gc40

Did you loosen the trans mount? Did you loose fit all the bolts, then tighten them. or did you tighten the bolt as you went along. Easy way is too leave the cross member loose till you get all the bolts started.

N20jeep

using a phillips head screwdriver to help line up the holes wont hurt it

rmc

I didn't loosen the tranny mount, but i was using a phillips head to guide the bolts in. I got 3 of the 4 in that way, but when i got to the last one, can't guide anymore, and the hole is still offset just enough to prevent it. What does loosening the tranny mount do?

(Thanks for the quick replies btw!)

wildspear

loosening the mount screw will give you more play in the plate position. after you get all four screws in then you can tighten everything down.

rmc

where is the screw? Are you guys refering to the 2 bolts that actually connect the transfer case to the crossmember and that rubber block like thing? Sorry for my bad description.

rmc

Just had a nother stab at it after dinner and finally got the bugger. Thanks for the advice guys.

XJeepWerks

Not the best way to do it, but this is what I did because I had the same problem. I took a ratchet strap around either the front or rear axle (Whichever way you need to pull it) and on one of the many holes in the crossmember and just pulled it into place with the ratchet strap. Be careful though as the ratchet strap will build a lot of pressure and it breaking loose could get pretty ugly. Just a thought incase you can't get anything else to work.

rmc

that probably woulda been my next option if I didn't get it when I did haha. Here I was earlier today thinkin it's gona be a half hour install tops...