How to remove 86 driveline support beam

[larry bud]

Trying to remove my 4+3 trans, supported the transmission, removed the bolts from the driveline support beam at the trans and the rear axle. Kinda moved it to the side so I could get to the driveshaft, I removed the driveshaft....

Now, how in the world do you remove this support beam? It's as if there isn't enough room in the tunnel to get this thing out.

Attached is a photo before the removal of the driveshaft.

 

[larry bud]

Well, I got it, but I think I did it out of order. I removed the tranny from the bell housing, and as I slid it back, I was able to get enough room between the trans and the driveline support to remove the support.

But if anyone knows of a way to remove the support without removing the trans, I'm all ears...

Well see how easy it is to install...

 

[Ken]

Ah, I know that sight well.

Every time I took the thing out then replaced it, I had to use a little firmness (read: force) to get the thing around the transmission, but in my case I'm dealing with a ROD 6-speed so I thought that may have something to do with it. Guess that wasn't it. :L

I didn't think that part was a difficult as replacing the upper bolts and making sure they're tight enough. You don't want any flex at either end of the torque arm; it'll elongated the holes and eventually cause an assortment of problems with shifting gears, popping out of gear, etc., due to excessive play (slop). There is even a market for a reinforcement plate for that area, but I forget the link at the moment. Someone here knows I'm sure.

 

[larry bud]

Yeah, with the ROD, how do you get a wrench in there to tighten the top bolts? Right now with this installation, I have the hole cut out in the tunnel and I'll be able to get to them that way.

Maybe make the fabrication piece removable for future work?

 

[Ken]

... hole(s) cut out in the tunnel

You got it! Now I gotta find some plugs. :L

_ken