No need to spread it. Look at the frame, you'll see that there is a taper that goes inwards, where the crossmember mounts. You'll see what I mean by looking at the crossmember from the rear, towards the engine, you'll see that it has the effect of sitting in the frame like a wedge, so it doesn't fall out without bolts... this is why it's a pain to get it to come straight down.

The trick is to unbolt the crossmember, lift it up, and slide it towards the rear of the truck. There will be a cutout section on each framerail for you to use. Right there you'll be able to finaggle the ears of the crossmember past the frame. 10 minute job.

 

Pretty much.

 

If not then its a massive PITA!!! Lol.

 

Just use a sledgehammer. When I did my clutch I used a 2 pound sledgehammer to beat the crossmember out and in. to put it back in just slide it up behind the part where it slopes out and beat it over with the hammer. was a lot easier than I was expecting

Sent from my DROID RAZR using AutoGuide.Com Free App

 

I ended up not having to pull the cross member. Now I'm waiting at the junk yard because they said the had a np241dld, but it's a dhd.

 

i unbolted it, and used a 4lb dead blow hammer to tap the transfer cse crossbowmen up towards the cab, i then got it to a 45 degree angle and tapped it towards the rear of the truck, and like the guy above said those holes in the frame rain she fell down, (and smahed 3 of my fingers at the same time.

 

Cuss At it and BFH is what I did Just be careful you have fuel lines and brake lines running down the drivers side.