69 rear crossmember removal

[Brad S.]

What is the best way to get the rubber mounted rear end crossmember off? I tried to pry it off but it didn't move so I put a puller on it and it just pulled the bushing through the crossmember. The rubber mount stayed on the frame. Any suggestions?

[Kent Greimel]

Re: 69 rear crossmember removal

We had to put ours in a press. Took a fair bit of force after 37 years of rusting in place but they did eventually come out. You will need to press the new ones back in as well if I remember correctly, we did the process about a year ago.

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 rear crossmember removal

This has been discussed several times before, search the archives. Here is the short and sweet version. Soak the bushings with a good penetrating oil. Let them soak at least overnight. Jack the car up, support the frame with axles stands, remove the spring bolts to free the trailing arms. I like to support the differential with a floorjack under it, but leaving 1/2" to 1" clearance. I have a 6' long "pinch bar" that I insert between the crossmember, at the bushing, and frame. I start prying the two apart, usually ending up almost having to stand on the bar. Be aware when the two separate, they will do so very rapidly. Have yourself braced and your hands and fingers where they will not get pinched. Most of all "have fun"

[Chuck R.]

Re: 69 rear crossmember removal

I wrapped a couple of heavy duty rubber bungie cords on either side of the crossmember to help stabilize it when it pops free. Others have used extra long bolts threaded up into the sombreros to catch the mount as well.

While your prying on the mount, it works better if someone is spraying the penetrant onto the mount at the same time. That way as the mount stretches away from the sombrero, the penetrant will sneak further and further into the voids.

Just be prepared for the sudden release (and it will be sudden) so that your not falling backwards.

Make sure to wipe the penetrant off as soon as possible so that it doesn't degrade the rubber.

When re-assembling, I slathered the mounts with never seize to hopefully help the next guy when they have to pull the crossmember out

I spoke to a Permatex rep. who confirmed that the never seize would NOT degrade the rubber mounts.

Chuck