94 maxima transmission removal Qs... X-member? Oil Pan? other tricks I should know?

[canucklehead]

i checked both axles and they're fine. Both are removed. I think I've determined my transmission is hooped. thanks for lasting only 30k miles you POS! So I'm thinking of putting in a used one from a wrecker, since a rebuild on mine only seems to last a short time. Wrecker= $100, rebuild, $3500...hmmmm

WOW, is the Nissan manual ever UNhelpful on this. Basically less than half a page of info on removing transmission. I could write many pages for people like me that need step-by-step guidance. Anyhow, the one useful tidbit I picked up is that I have to unbolt the torque converter from the flywheel, then mark it for re-assembly. (Don't think that'll work since I'm putting in a used one). Well, in order to disconnect, I removed the brackets around the coverplate. BUT....now it looks like I can't slide the cover plate out of the way until I remove the frame cross member AND oil pan. Is this correct?? I don't want to yank off more than I have to.

Also, are there any other hidden disconnects I should be aware of, or other issues that are going to haunt me somewhere? I can see the coolant lines, neutral safety and a couple of other things on the bottom. probably will be something connecting the gear shift lever/linkage to the transmission aswell ... I think that's above.

thanks for your help