Pulling 218 motor from 1950 b2b with Fluid drive

[Dodge bro]

I have been restoring the grey lady but ring failed and now need to pull the motor.  I have the front clip off but dont know if I need to remove steering or if I should remove the tranny or pull with it.  Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. 

[JBNeal]

If ya want to remove the transmission, that crossmember that is in the way is actually bolted in so that it can be removed...this gives extra room for input shaft to clear flywheel clutch assembly.

 

additional information - Fluid Drive setup

[Bobacuda]

I have no idea why the first photo is upside down.   Site mod:  fixed your pic for you....    now pic #2

 

I have pulled the trans 4 times and the engine three times from my ‘53 B4B. I have never had to pull the cross member.  The first time, a much younger me and a friend did the job in a barn with a concrete floor after jacking the front of the truck. 

 

 

I removed the shifting linkage and parking brake. Doing it by myself, I used a trans jack. Once the input shaft was clear of the clutch and throwout bearing, it slid right out. Might have to slightly turn the trans on a side to clear shifting mechanism. Had to lower it several times on the way out, but no problem. 

 

 

 

[Merle Coggins]

It may be possible to remove a 3 speed trans without disturbing the cross member. On my truck with Fluid Drive and a 4 speed that is not the case. There is about 1 inch of clearance between the park brake drum and the cross member. There is no physical way to slide the trans out of the bell housing without dropping the fuel tank and removing the cross member... at least with the combination I have in my truck.