68 differential support crossmember

[Charles B.]

According to the AIM, there are only 2 bolts attaching the crossmember to the frame. However, mine is not budging. Is it just stuck or am I missing something else that holds it?

[Gene M.]

Re: 68 differential support crossmember

it's just stuck, put two long bolts inplace of the originals about 2 inches long.

pry with a long tire iron till it breaks loose. the long bolts will catch the brace from craching down.

[Michael M.]

Re: 68 differential support crossmember

There are 2 bolts holding the crossmember to the frame. There are "sombrero" bushings in the crossmember that mate to the frame. They are a little bit of an interference fit and over time can become stuck (but good). I personally use a 5 ft. crow bar and, with the wheels removed come in from the outside of the car through the wheel wells and pry in between the crossmember and the frame. You can loosen but not remove the bolts so that when the crossmember lets go (which will be very suddenly) nothing and no one gets hurt or damaged.

I have seen where people have removed the bolts and used a gear puller to separate the crossmember from the frame, but I have not personally used this method.

If using the crowbar, do not be afraid to apply significant force as these sometimes can be difficult to remove. I weigh 200+ lbs. and it took almost all of my weight and strength to loosen the crossmember on my '68 with a 5 ft. crowbar. Above all, be safe and have a helper to insure no one gets hurt. Good luck.

[John H.]

Re: 68 differential support crossmember

I have seen where people have removed the bolts and used a gear puller to separate the crossmember from the frame, but I have not personally used this method.

Michael -

Not a great idea - if you use a gear puller with the center screw bearing against the bolt hole or against the head of a bolt that's in the hole, you stand an excellent chance of breaking the weld nut loose inside the "sombrero" formation in the frame; then you get to pull the body off the frame to repair it.

[Michael M.]

Re: 68 differential support crossmember

John, I agree with your assessment. I have never used that method for just the reasons you state, but I know others have successfully used a gear puller, although that is not what I would do.

[Charles B.]

Re: 68 differential support crossmember

Thanks for the tips!!!!!