C3 (72) Rear end crossmember

[Rob C.]

Hi, Could some one tell me if I have to bend all those little tabs down to pull that crossmember down or is there any tricks. If I have to bend all of them down can I reuse those bushings?
Thank You,
Rob

[Chuck Caldwell]

Re: C3 (72) Rear end crossmember

Rob,

If your just trying to remove the entire cross member, you have to take the bolt out in the center on each end. However, if the cross member has not been out of your car since 72, you may some trouble getting it off. Soaking it with some penetrating solvent(PB Blaster)from the top side and then prying it off from the ends (between the cross member and the frame mounts)with a pry bar or large screw driver usually works. Both of my midwest cars (70 & 71) were tough to get off. If your bushings are not dry rotted, cracked, etc, and your careful with the removal and also not doing a full restoration/replacment of all the bushings on the car, you should be able to re-sue the existing.

If you want to re-bush the cross member, that's a differen't process

[Steve Wallach]

Re: C3 (72) Rear end crossmember

I have removed this part from my 67 and 68, both had not been off before. They were a real "Bear"! Like Rob said, soak the bolt and bushings with PB penetrant, let sit for a week or so. Then use a strong pry bar between the frame and the bushing and pry down. When the part "lets go" watch out! It will take out your knee if it's in the way!

If your looking to replace the bushings, then yes, you will need to bend the tabs up to remove the bushings.

Good Luck,

Steve

[Rob C.]

Thank You!! *NM*

[Robert E.]

Re: C3 (72) Rear end crossmember

Rob,

These pictures were posted some time ago by a fellow member. The idea looked so smart, I had to copy it. Have a look.

Robert
41801

http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=qnlqia

http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=qnmbef

[John H.]

Re: C3 (72) Rear end crossmember

The process depicted in the second photo (using a gear puller to pop the crossmember loose) is VERY risky; the pressure point for the center shaft of the puller is the weld nut inside the "sombrero" on the frame, and if you pop that weld nut loose, the body has to be lifted to fix it.

[Chas Henderson #28127]

Re: C3 (72) Rear end crossmember

Rob,

I just finished reinstalling mine three days ago on my 71. Don't take your two bolts all the way out when you do this, or get two other bolts about one inch longer. Switch out the bolts but only thread in about 1/2 inch. After you soak it down with penitrating oil, and when your ready to pry it off, when it comes off it won't fall to the floor. If this is a body on restro, you won't have your differencial crashing down. As it will be hanging from the bolts, you then slide a jack under it and unscrew the two bolts. Just safer this way and less damage to your parts.

Chasman

[Rob C.]

Re: C3 (72) Rear end crossmember

Thank you all.
I put a jack under the pumkin and tryed the prying method and it worked with very little efort.
Rob