Transfer case crossmember removal

[breathed]

I broke the heads off all three t-case skid plate bolts. I don't wheel so I haven't been worrying much about it, but would like to fix this. I wish I'd been in a little less of a hurry changing the gear oil.

My plan is to remove the crossmember so I can drill out the remainder of the studs on a drill press. I'll then upgrade to the Slee skid plate and new hardware all around. I know I may have some trouble with the bolts that hold the crossmember to the frame, but I'll prepare for that with many applications of penetrating oil, more common sense and removing each bolt separately before I commit to the whole deal.

My question is, do I need to support the transfer case with a jack when I remove the crossmember?

Thanks.

 

[Corbet]

yes

 

[jonheld]

YES! That is the 3rd point in the 3 point mount. That supports the engine, tranny, and transfer case. You can lower that mount with a floor jack, but only 6 or so inches before it starts to strain hoses. Be careful.

 

[breathed]

Good stuff. I was planning on supporting the t-case since it's directly connected to the transmission, and therefore the engine, and seems like a good idea. I just figured I'd ask. I learn something every time I log on to this forum.

 

[d0ubledown]

were you able to get the crossmember out and the busted bolts drilled out on a press? while changing my tcase fluid tonight...i broke all three as well. d'oh! im thinking i might just drill them all out and tap in new threads with the cross member still on the truck.

i read the original threads are M8X1.25? so the next size up should be an M10X1.25? would this be correct?

 

[Corbet]

That is the next size up.

but you should be able to just drill out the broken bolts and clean up the threads with the M8 tap. If your careful that is.

 

[breathed]

I have not done this, yet. It's not very high on my list of things to do for the cruiser.

 

[AppleTech]

I'll then upgrade to the Slee skid plate and new hardware all around.

Check out the Iron Pig one first - it replaces the entire crossmember assembly and protects your tranny/transfer case. I have it on my truck and LOVE it:

Iron Pig Off Road : Toyota 4WD experts

It is SUPER stout.

-Phil

 

[Corbet]

Check out the Iron Pig one first - it replaces the entire crossmember assembly and protects your tranny/transfer case. I have it on my truck and LOVE it:

Iron Pig Off Road : Toyota 4WD experts

It is SUPER stout.

-Phil

x2, its very nice.

 

[concretejungle]

Yep, me too. I like it a lot.

 

[d0ubledown]

holy crap that thing is thick. im also looking at upgrading my tcase skid. was looking at the slee one, but the IPOR one..wow. not sure if i'll be dragging the belly enough though to warrant a $400 skid plate...

does it use the factory bolt holes at all?

 

[calfj60]

whats up with the two bolts hanging down in the middle???Those look like fun to remove after they get bent over....

 

[96r50]

For those of you with the IPOR skid plate, have you had any trouble draining the tranny or transfer? The holes in the skid plate look big enough. Also, does it cause any interference with greasing the driveshaft U-joints?
I'm looking at getting one of these soon.

 

[AppleTech]

does it use the factory bolt holes at all?

Yes - it replaces the crossmember

whats up with the two bolts hanging down in the middle???Those look like fun to remove after they get bent over....

Those secure the rear drivetrain mount and are there on the stock setup as well - I have thought about it as well and just watch out to avoid when skidding - try to skid off to one side. I might try and look for some shorter bolts or maybe have someone weld a skidplate skidplate to cover them Worse comes to worst though you could just grind the bolts off - it would just be a PITA.

For those of you with the IPOR skid plate, have you had any trouble draining the tranny or transfer? The holes in the skid plate look big enough. Also, does it cause any interference with greasing the driveshaft U-joints?
I'm looking at getting one of these soon.

It does not interfere with either.

-Phil