4wd trans removal

[puddlejumper]

I have a 92 4wd shortbox pickup.The trans is all unbolted and disconnected but the transfer case won't clear between the cab and a second crossmember just behind the transfer case.So it won't go back far enough to clear the input shaft.Is it safe to unbolt this crossmember?The torsion bars to the front suspension are hooked up here,probobaly with alot of pressure on it. I posted on this a while back that the trans was stuck in second and I can shift to all other gears,1st 3rd 4th 5th R,but not back to second position.With any other gear engaged the truck won't move cause 2 gears are engaged at the same time.Its like the fork just let go of second and left it engaged.I assume there's a slot that the fork fits into and it popped out and won't go back over the lip into the slot preventing the shifter from going back to 2nd gear position.

[s13sr20chris]

yeah, you must remove the second crossmember. first you have to disconnect the torsion bars. to do that mark their position(so you dont have to reset ride height) and loosen the locknut and adjuster nut(up top of the bars in the back). once they have no load on them you can unbolt the 2nd crossmember.

[puddlejumper]

The bolts are rusted solid.I was thinking that maybe I could block up the front end ,taking pressure off the front suspension,and just unbolt the crossmember from the frame.If those bolts break I can just replace with new ones.I believe the torsion bars push down on the crossmember.So to prevent binding when removing the bolts and having any remaining pressure on the torsion bars being released all at once,place a jack or two under the crossmember and lower slowly.I only need a couple inches or so for the transfer case to clear.Then I can slide the trans back the last inch or soto clear the input shaft,lower the trans and slide forward enough to lower the transfer case. Does this sound like a possibility to you? Thanks for your help, Ed

[s13sr20chris]

the torsion bars push up on the lower control arms. you can try leaving the torsion bars in there, but i dont think it will work very well. you want to be carefull because there is a lot of potential energy stored up in those bars. i have been hit in the chest by a flying coil spring before and its a scary deal. now imagine a truck that ways 80% more.