Post by
t.mcginley.jr »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/t-mcginley-jr-u204971.html
Tue Nov 19, 2013 9:42 am
Before you attempt to drop the crossmember, you should know that an engine hoist is needed to support the engine. The engine sits on the crossmember, so you'll need something to lift it slightly. Once you have it supported this is how to drop the crossmember:
1. Get the car up on jack stands (obviously)
2. Remove front wheels (obviously)
3. Remove the tie rod ends from the knuckles
4. Remove either side of the lower control arms (either the side bolted to the knuckle or the side bolted to the crossmember)
5. Remove the motor mount nuts from underneath the crossmember
6. Remove the 4 big nuts holding the crossmember to the frame
At this point, the crossmember should be somewhat free. The power steering lines will still be attached to the rack, so you'll need to remove them if you're trying to drop the crossmember completely. I lowered my crossmember a few inches when I went to put my engine back in and had to pound on it with a hammer to get it to move.