Dana 20 How to reach the attachment bolts?

[dholder]

Seems I have to do everything twice to get it right. Double lip seal is leaking after it was replaced during my recent transmission overhaul and transfer case reseal. I was hoping for minimum disassembly to reach the seal but can't access the drivers side bolt attaching the transfer case to the adapter. I did this job once 20 years ago and don't remember any problems. Any tips on how to reach that one bolt?

 

[Viperwolf1]

Support the transmission and remove the cross member.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Yes, it's a really tight spot.
You can use a combination of different wrenches and sockets, in a pinch, and turn the bolt out a bit at a time, but if you do much wrenching on old cars, you really should get a set of starter wrenches like the one in the photo.

I also have a number of sockets, wrenches, and other odds-n-ends that are cut, welded, or ground down, to work on specific applications. No Bronco tool box is complete without them.

 

[muskrat]

wobble extension helped me.

 

[dholder]

So it seems you guys think it may be possible to get to that bolt? I know I can get it as Viperwolf said, by removing crossmember and while writing this I realize I should probably just do that. Probably easier in the long run. Thanks for bouncing ideas around, guys.

 

[Rustytruck]

Just watch so you don't bang your fan into the radiator.

 

[dholder]

Just watch so you don't bang your fan into the radiator.

Yep, good point. Mine is very close.

 

[ryan97]

I just re-installed my TCase in my 73 rebuild project and had no issues attaching it and then installing tranny cross member. If I recall that was how I disassembled it 6 months ago.

 

[colby45]

I replaced my transmission a while back and I did mine the same way. Supported the transfer case with the transmission jack and used a swivel and extension to bolt everything back up with the cross member off, then put the cross member on. I didn't encounter any bolts I couldn't get to.