Crossmember

[dbs328]

What is the best way to replace the crossmember on 79 Fiat Spider?

[seabeelt]

Is the engine in or out?

[dbs328]

The engine is out

[seabeelt]

Then easy enough to unbolt the lower control arms then and unbolt the cross member. I would be tempted for safety to put a jack under the control arm as the spring will want to push it down if you dont. Do you have a service manual?

[dbs328]

Thanks for the help. I do not have a manual. Will the lower arm swing out ?

[seabeelt]

It may, that's why you need to support it. Do a search on the forum for front control arms. I think 4uall had a nice write up about replacing his front suspension with some nice photos. It will give you an idea of how things go together.
R/

[dbs328]

I could not find it. I must be doing something wrong.

[AriK]

This might help
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... suspension

[dbs328]

I am stuck. I am trying to remove the cross member on a 79 spider.I have removed all the hardware on the cross member. I have not removed any thing from the control arm or the tie rods. How do I remove the studs on cross member from the Pivot bar? The book I have is no help.

[DanD]

Those front springs have a lot of energy in them. If you aren't careful how you take the front end apart, you might wind up getting hurt. Once you get the front end to the point where the springs aren't lethal, getting the crossmember out is a nuts and bolts thing.

[dbs328]

What is the best way to remove the control arm and do I need to remove the tie rod ends? I can lower the cross member it will take the pressure off the springs.