Transmission crossmember help please? 94 XJ
 

I am upgrading my exhaust system on my 94 XJ with the High Output motor. I need to drop the transmission crossmember and grind it out a little for my bigger exhaust pipe to sit in. I took off the nut/stud and the bolt on each side of the frame, but couldn't figure out what's holding it in the middle. It looks like a rubber bushing deal but I'm not sure how that detaches.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, I need to get my exhaust done ASAP since it's straight piped right now.
Thank you in advance.

Sounds like you're talking about the transmission mount. There are holes in the bottom of the cross member that lead to the bolts that hold it on. Get under it and look straight up at them.

Thanks I kinda figured that, but I couldn't see under it because I didn't have my floor jack on hand and I'm a bigger guy who can't fit underneath to look straight up. I was using a little scissor jack to hold the tranny up while I unbolted the crossmember. Is it a good idea to replace that while I'm at it? Sorry if that was a dumb question, this is my first xj. I appreciate the help.

This help?

Thanks Cruiser, should I replace the mount or no?
On a side note, see where the exhaust pipe lays on the crossmember? I basically need to notch it out for bigger pipe, unless there is something else I can do without a pipe bender? Thanks for the replies.

Probably should replace the mount.

X2-replace the mount. They're not too expensive and an easy job.

PB those bolts ahead of time and go easy not to strip. They can be a mother. I had to grind a few out.

Also careful on the 18mm's that go into the transfer case. Those were a bear as well. Strip one of those and your have a mess.


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I don't know if I would grind too much off of that cross member, it does support some weight there. If that pipe is going straight through you might have to take quite a bit off, could be noisy too.

Thanks for all the great replies everybody! I think I'm going to have to bend some pipe then, because my new pipe doesnt sit level, it's slightly angled up towards the floorboards. And it's angled up just enough that I can't get my new magnaflow catalytic converter to slide over the new pipe. If that makes sense.