My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: SpikeT on September 16, 2013, 08:39:26 PM

Title: How to remove rear crossmember
Post by: SpikeT on September 16, 2013, 08:39:26 PM: My 3a's rear crossmember is bent and ready to replace.ï¿½ I am ordering a new one from classic enterprises along with a side panel and new floor pans.

How is the rear crossmember removed?ï¿½ It looks like I have to remove the pintle mount plate and assembly. Then do I drill out the rivets?ï¿½ Are there any factory welds holding crossmember to frame?ï¿½ Does triangle above crossmember have to be removed?ï¿½ I am bolting the new crossmember on as my jeep is a restomod.
Thanks
Spike
Title: Re: How to remove rear crossmember
Post by: athawk11 on September 17, 2013, 12:17:15 AM: Spike,
It's not easy getting that off.ï¿½ Drill or grind the rivets.ï¿½ Switch to a cutting disc, then cut the welds on the hitch plate.ï¿½ You don't have to remove the triangle shaped support to remove that crossmember.ï¿½

Not the best shot, but I also needed a new rear cross member.ï¿½ Note the triangle is still in place...

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa397/athawk11/athawk11%20Willys%20White/20130822007_zpse10b4149.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/athawk11/media/athawk11%20Willys%20White/20130822007_zpse10b4149.jpg.html)
Title: Re: How to remove rear crossmember
Post by: SpikeT on September 17, 2013, 07:25:38 AM: Can it be removed with vehicle sitting on ground without tweaking frame? Can it be removed with tub still on?
Title: Re: How to remove rear crossmember
Post by: athawk11 on September 17, 2013, 08:35:29 AM: If the other two rear cross members are in place and sound, removing the rear most cross member should do little to tweak the frame. If you have concerns, you could set the Willys on a flat surface, then put it up and on a pair of jackstands set under the long frame rails. This should minimize any flex in the frame. A good spot to set the jacks would be under the rear front spring mounts.

Tim