I am about to do some exhaust work on my truck, i.e. replace my existing exhaust. I have never done any kind of work to my cars before (always wanted to but was afraid that I would mess something up). I have gathered enough courage to do this myself. Though I have never done any kind of mechanical work, I am pretty confident if I have the right set of instructions, I can do this by myself. However, I learned that I have to hold the tranny cross member up while I remove the exhaust and replace it with new one. That keeps me thinking what the function of the tranny cross member is - can anyone explain what a tranny cross member is and may be what it looks like or refer me to a picture? Thanks.
Additional Details
18 hours ago
I really don’t want to cut the exhaust; as long as I hold it up I am not going to mess up the transmission, right? Also, if I don’t hold it up properly can I mess up the alignment of the transmission? Do I need a transmission Jack for this or a regular floor jack?
It is an 07 RAM 2500 Cummins…
You didn’t mention what kind of truck.
I don’t know of any truck that requires removal of the trany crossmember. Good idea for you to talk to a repair shop or a dealership service tech of your vehicle. They can at least tell you if removal of the crossmember is required.
As far as what is the tranny crossmember–Its a support bracket that holds the rear of the transmission in line with the driveshart and engine. ITs critical to the function of your truck.
Understand your enthusiasm to do your own work. Exhaust work can be very rewarding or a pain in the butt. Its easier to work on the truck if you will place it on Jack Stands, also, makes the work safer. Be sure you have some basic tools, like, end wrenches, Penetrating Oil to spray on the rusted nuts and bolts, hack saw, socketts and rachett will help to keep you knuckels from being cut.
Plan your work. Make sure you have the right parts for your truck. Replace all nuts and bolts with NEW.
When you install the new pipes and mufflers,,,start out by handging the pipes and mufflers but don’t tighten everythig to tight–just tight enough to keep things in place–then alighn the pipe and muffler on one side. Make sure the parts are not touching anything except the pipe hangers; level the muffler and pipes to there proper position and start tighning hanger bolts starting from the engine and proceed towards the back of the truck….do the same on both sides. If your patient, don’t mind getting very dirty it can be a fun job., also, if you have a friend who can assist it makes things much easier.
Over 30 years twisting wrenches.
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Go to an autoparts store and buy CHILTONS or HAYNES books for the make and year model of your car!! They will help you alot with pictures and diagrams and tips and specs! IF you want the answer to your question, the cross member is the support for the transmission. In order to route the exhaust you may have to remove these. First you need to get jack stands. Then you put the vehicle on the stands and make sure that it is sturdy before you get under it!!! Then you place a jack under the transmission JUST ENOUGH TO TAKE THE WEIGHT. You loosen the bolts on crossmembers and take them down. Do the exhaust work and put the crossmembers back. Check the exhaust system for leaks!!!
The crossmember is a long irreguar shaped box that holds the transmission in place, it bolts to the sides of the frame rails.
You can cut the old exhaust out with a sawsall, and put the new one in without messing with the crossmember.
Auto Appearance, LLC
15 years in the auto custom business
ASE master tech
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the crossmember is what holds the back of the tranny up. just block up the tranny, to keep it from falling, then you can just take the crossmember off, to get it away from your work. on your truck, the crossmember goes across the back of the tranny and bolts up to both sides of the frame.
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the cross member hold the rear of the tranny up( also known as the tailshaft) it holds the tranny mount that dampers the vibration and twist of the trans. the crossmember is a means of connecting the driveline with the frame. formed piece of steel that runs from one side of your car to the next.