How to drop cross memeber?

Nissan 300ZX technical discussion forum: Maintenance, performance, installations, modifications, how-to's and troubleshooting.
wellcraft
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2013 7:02 pm
Car: Z32 1990

Post

posted this in the other z32 section but I font know if it belongs here, anyway. I need to rebuild my rack and pinion and was able to find a diy for it but cant find a diy on how top drop cross member on my 1990 na.
Can someone point me out to a diy that explain on how to do this?
Ill be replacing oil pan gasket too.

Thanks.


User avatar
t.mcginley.jr
Posts: 1547
Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:50 am
Car: 2002 Nissan Altima SE 3.5
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA 2+0
1966 Ford Mustang
Location: New Jersey, USA

Post

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.


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