Transcross Member & Transfer Case

[JTinNM]

I recently removed my rear driveshaft to have it rebuilt. While I was under the truck I decided to change the transmission oil. To make the job easier I removed the transcross member (the bar that extends from one frame rail to the other that the skid plate attaches to under the transfer case), when I did this the transfer case dropped about 2", I had to jack transcross member up to reinstall the bolts. Is the transcross member holding up the transfer case? Should the transfer case drop down like this, when it's removed. This has never happened to me before but the rear driveshaft has always be installed when I previously removed the transcross member. Should I be worried?

 

[Squeegee]

That’s normal, the crossmember is the only thing really holding the transmission/ transfercase up. When it dropped, it was just kinda hanging on the motor mounts and the motor might have been hitting the firewall.

Is no biggie

 

[cruzinfj1]

I would check the radiator to make sure the fan didnt get into it, and look at the grounds from frame to engine and firewall to engine. I had to lower mine to swap the cases, and fan was close and I pulled a bolt out of a ground strap so it wouldnt pull on it.

 

[jonheld]

I recently removed my rear driveshaft to have it rebuilt. While I was under the truck I decided to change the transmission oil. To make the job easier I removed the transcross member (the bar that extends from one frame rail to the other that the skid plate attaches to under the transfer case), when I did this the transfer case dropped about 2", I had to jack transcross member up to reinstall the bolts. Is the transcross member holding up the transfer case? Should the transfer case drop down like this, when it's removed. This has never happened to me before but the rear driveshaft has always be installed when I previously removed the transcross member. Should I be worried?

The entire drive line is supported by 3 mounts. 2 engine mounts up front and 1 transmission mount in the rear. You removed the rear mount so the driveline tilted down.
I've done this several times, uninstalling/reinstalling my transfer case, and for a variety of other reasons. I always use a floor jack to lower and raise it into place. It's no big deal unless you let it drop.

 

[JTinNM]

Thanks all!