do you need to remove crossmember to put in transmission?

[gray68]

this maybe a dumb question, but I need some help. First the car is a 68 camaro originally a six cyl. w\ powerglide. We put in a new 350 V8 and tried to install a TH350 tranny but couldnt get the bellhousing to clear the torque converter. So we pulled the motor and then couldnt get the motor to angle right because the oil pan was hitting the centerlink. Then we thought if we pulled the crossmember we could do it that way but the crossmember wont come out without removing the subframe ( at least on one side) is this right?? are we doing something wrong? do I need to replace the crossmember with aftermarket? HELP!!!!

[Chad-1stGen]

If you haven't already I would also post this question on camaros.net

I'm not an expert on your application but the 3 different GM vehicles that I've pulled/installed transmissions in always involved removing the cross member.

[Vegas69]

The crossmember will come out. You may need to pursuade it. You should put he convertor in the tranny before attempting to connect the engine and transmission. If the motor is pulled connect them out of the car and pull the cross member and stab it all at once. Jack the tranny up with a floor jack while stabbing the combo.

[eville]

If your subframe bushings are old and collapsed, you'll need to loosen the rear sub. bolt on ONE side to get the crossmember out. If the rubber bushings are in that bad of shape, now would be a great time to change them. Cheap, easy and a GREAT upgrade. Look at the Globalwest solids. Poly isnt a bad second choice either.

[gray68]

thanks guys. It is out. I found the same question on another site . So with a little persuasion and a rubber mallet she came out. Now I just need to get my buddy back over so we can put this thing back together. ***I have already replaced the bushings with poly ones****