Trans Crossmember Strength

Is the original transmission crossmember on a '72 CJ strong enough to hold the T15 and D20 up on it's on for a while with the drive shafts still attached? 304 will be out for an extended period of time and I'm sure it held a lot of the weight through it's on mounts up front. Crossmember is in good shape. No skid plate.

 

The cross member will be fine, the mount won't like the twisting forces. I put a ratchet strap under the front part of the transmission to keep it levelish. Over the top of the frame, under the trans, over the frame, thighten. Don't over tighten, this is for support not for pulling the frame rails together, Good luck, Ron

 

it will be easier to pull the engine if the tranny is on a slight upward angle or at minimum held level.. put a floor jack or jack stand under it when yanking the motor..

 

I have used the original equipment screw jack under the bell housing to support the back end of the engine when pulling the transmission. It could similarly be used in this case, either there or under the transmission.