So I took off the um-teen bolts to drop the pan...no problem. Now the cross-member is next but the 10mm bolts are rounding out. Yes, I used PB blaster and 6-pt sockets. So does anyone know a trick to getting the cross-member out, or can I remove the track bar instead? Seems to be held on by a 18mm bolt and some sort of torx bit on the bottom of the threaded post???

 

Just remove the steering link. My cross member didn't come out either. Just pull the drivers side and swing it out of the way. Careful not to twist it. That will change the toe angle.

 

RAVE says I need a LRT-57-036 tool (looks like a giant metal cloths pin)...I'm fresh out of those and the local parts stores don't have them either. Tried taking the 18mm nut off but then couldn't tap it out with a hammer.

 

Dan, probably a silly question, but can you accomplish your goal without fully removing the pan? Ie just a gasket replacement and the pan doesn't need to come out.

Another thought, try drooping the suspension to create more room to navigate around the track bar.

 

I've got a pin-hole leak somewhere around the pan. Yes, I could probably get the thing in place, but I would not be able to inspect the pan for imperfections to see what's causing the leak. The gasket on there is only 6 months old and has been leaking since I put it in.

 

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You don't need to take the cross member off, so do what zerhoom said, to remove the pan; that is all that is needed off.

 

Re thread the nut on the track bar.. smack the hell out of it. It will pop out. Just be careful. You really should take the pan down to inspect it. I did.. gave it a good cleaning also. Found 1/8 inch of goo in the bottom.

BFH can be your good friend.

 

am I missing something. just remove the pan mine came out fine when I did the timing cover gasket

 

OK, I'll try banging it with the nut back on tomorrow.

Captain, yes you have to remove at least one of the bars from under the pan to remove it.

 

I panicked when the stupid cross member bolts wouldn't come out. I looked at that bar and it was ripe for removal.

If you already havent, Soak the joint with some penatrant. It may help.