Frame crossmember removal

[Faltura]

I have the front cap off my F-250, engine and trans out. I have removed the cross member that supports the transmission. I was thinking about removing the cross member just forward of the trans mount cross member for cleaning and inspection of the brake lines. If I do remove this with the cab on the frame, would this cause the frame rails to "twist" out of alignment? ( the front cab mounts are right next to where that cross member bolts on)

[fordman]

i think your talking abotu the front transmission crossmember. it is right between the radius arm brackets. you can take it out no problem. if you get it back in right you shouldnt have any alignment problems.

[mrtleavitt]

Just took out mine to clean it up and no problems. Even with all the cross members attached, I had the frame on its side and I was very surprised how flimsy the frame was. If you shook the frame then the whole thing would do the wave. I thought that it would have been solid but no even close! So go for it!

[Faltura]

mrtleavitt,

I had a feeling that the frame would be wobbly if I took out the cross member. That is why I am questioning doing it with the cab still mounted. I thought that the frame might twist out if I took it off witht he cab still on.

You know anybody that took out the cross member with the cab still on?

[fordman]

oh yea. those front transmission crossmembers are taken out all of the tiem when a c6 with the cab on.

[ForingaMex]

Hi Faltura,
When I bought my truck it didn't have the crossmember in it. I drove it for a while like that (about 2500 miles from Durango Mexico to Ontario Canada) until I had to have the truck 'safety checked' by a mechanic to get my new plates and he made me find one and put it on. I'm sure it's better with the crossmember but will never hurt anything with the truck just parked without it. IMHO
Jake

[ToughOldFord]

*double post*

[ToughOldFord]

It's no problem at all, I pulled mine when I did my transmission swap.