Wolf gearbox crossmember removal.

I need to remove the crossmember under the gearbox.

This is Wolf-specific and completely different to the pre-1997 Defenders.

If anyone has done it, I'd appreciate any tips and Gotchas to be aware of.

The O/S seems straightforward and only 2 bolts(???), but the nearside appears to be 1 bolt and the exhaust hanger.

Any pointers appreciated.

In common with any of these X-members there is a likelyhood that it will have corroded against/into the chassis.
2 bits of wood and a bottle jack will help 'spread' the chassis so you can knock the beam out.
Posting some pictures would be welcome.

Thank you, Mik.
I'll get some pics when the rain stops - could be a wile.
According to the parts diagram, there ought to be four bolts per side, but I have 2 O/S and one N/S plus the exhaust hanger.
Doesn't seem enough, but there are no more.

The four bolts are now out, although the exhaust hanger one was cut off in the end.
The xmember is still there and I will use a sledge hammer and some wooden blocks to push it down and out.
Getting there.

Wolf Pack said:

<snip> The xmember is still there and I will use a sledge hammer and some wooden blocks to push it down and out.

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Careful, using brute force can/will likely lead to more damage than you anticipate... blocks of wood and a bottle jack to releive the tension (or compression to be more accurate) will help considerably ....

miktdish said:

Careful, using brute force can lead to more damage than you anticipate... blocks of wood and a bottle jack to releive the tesnsion (or compression to be more accurate) will help considerably ....

Click to expand...

+1. IMO, do NOT use brute force for the reasons above - spread the chassis legs slightly - just enough so you can drag the cross member out ... not so much that it falls out and hits you ...

I won't be under it, there's just enough room to get some hardwood in there from above.