cross brace removal before removing SM420 transmission - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kauaiman · 02-19-2022, 08:54 PM

I have a 1964 c10 stepside with SM420 Transmission. Need to replace clutch and was wondering if I need to remove cross brace (has rivets) before trans removal.
I have a 1963 shop manual and it does not address removing cross brace.
Thanks for the info!

**The Rocknrod** · 02-20-2022, 07:03 AM

I think post #4 and then a correction on post #6 here - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=400660

**Getter-Done** · 02-20-2022, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kauaiman

Need to replace clutch and was wondering if I need to remove cross brace (has rivets) before trans removal.

I know it will be a PITB to remove the rivets.
It will be time well spent when you go to reinstall and align the trans to the clutch splines and pilot bearing.

**caseyjones** · 02-20-2022, 12:36 PM

Which brace are we talking about? On my 64 there was the rear engine mount crossmember that the bellhousing bolts onto (riveted in) and there is a parking brake mechanism crossmember that was bolted in. There shouldn’t be a reason to remove a riveted-in crossmember to service the clutch…

SkinnyG · 02-20-2022, 12:42 PM

My '61's crossmember is (was) welded. That ain't being removed.

Drop the box off the bellhousing first.

kauaiman · 02-20-2022, 02:00 PM

Thanks , I wasn't sure if the trans will fit out the bottom without taking either the engine crossmember or parking brake crossmember out . Casey jones says its doable, so next week ill give it a go. I will make trans top bolts pins by cutting heads off bolt so it slides easier. Thanks for the replies, appreciate it!

**caseyjones** · 02-20-2022, 03:32 PM

Yep, I took mine out from above with an engine hoist. Good luck and be safe!

kauaiman · 03-06-2022, 09:13 PM

I took the SM420 out this weekend. it was easier to take it out thru the top, but I am going to grind down the rivets on the parking brake support and remove for easier installation after I rebuild the transmission. with the parking brake support out of the way, it will be super easy to slide transmission back in using 1/2 inch bolts as a guide on top two bell housing holes. I used a 3 1/2 inch bolt with the head cut off as a guide, then you can slide trans easily into place by yourself.

02-19-2022, 08:54 PM	#1
kauaiman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: kapaa kauai Posts: 19	cross brace removal before removing SM420 transmission I have a 1964 c10 stepside with SM420 Transmission. Need to replace clutch and was wondering if I need to remove cross brace (has rivets) before trans removal. I have a 1963 shop manual and it does not address removing cross brace. Thanks for the info!

02-20-2022, 07:03 AM	#2
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: cross brace removal before removing SM420 transmission I think post #4 and then a correction on post #6 here - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=400660 __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

02-20-2022, 12:42 PM	#5
SkinnyG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Beautiful BC, Canada, eh?! Posts: 2,190	Re: cross brace removal before removing SM420 transmission My '61's crossmember is (was) welded. That ain't being removed. Drop the box off the bellhousing first. __________________ 1961 Apache: "Grabber Orange" Shortboxed, pancake, step-notch, air-ride, boosted-LS 1977 Silverado: Shortboxed & dropped, potato-potato V8 Pontiac Firefly (Chevy Sprint): The ultimate engine swap: 5.7L in a 1.0L bag Lotus Super 7 Replica: Scratch-built street-legal rollerskate

02-20-2022, 03:32 PM	#7
caseyjones Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 518	Re: cross brace removal before removing SM420 transmission Yep, I took mine out from above with an engine hoist. Good luck and be safe! __________________ 1955 Long Distance Build 1964 GMC Palomino Tan Survivor 1964 C10 Survivor - Sold

03-06-2022, 09:13 PM	#8
kauaiman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: kapaa kauai Posts: 19	Re: cross brace removal before removing SM420 transmission I took the SM420 out this weekend. it was easier to take it out thru the top, but I am going to grind down the rivets on the parking brake support and remove for easier installation after I rebuild the transmission. with the parking brake support out of the way, it will be super easy to slide transmission back in using 1/2 inch bolts as a guide on top two bell housing holes. I used a 3 1/2 inch bolt with the head cut off as a guide, then you can slide trans easily into place by yourself.

02-20-2022, 12:36 PM	#4
caseyjones Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 518	Re: cross brace removal before removing SM420 transmission Which brace are we talking about? On my 64 there was the rear engine mount crossmember that the bellhousing bolts onto (riveted in) and there is a parking brake mechanism crossmember that was bolted in. There shouldn’t be a reason to remove a riveted-in crossmember to service the clutch… __________________ 1955 Long Distance Build 1964 GMC Palomino Tan Survivor 1964 C10 Survivor - Sold

02-20-2022, 02:00 PM	#6
kauaiman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: kapaa kauai Posts: 19	Re: cross brace removal before removing SM420 transmission Thanks , I wasn't sure if the trans will fit out the bottom without taking either the engine crossmember or parking brake crossmember out . Casey jones says its doable, so next week ill give it a go. I will make trans top bolts pins by cutting heads off bolt so it slides easier. Thanks for the replies, appreciate it!



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