both of my cross-members were pretty rusty. The front wasn't as bad but the back was horrible. Fortunately, the back was easy so I've already changed it with another one from the junkyard. It was so bad, my jack crushed it in half. I was luck enough that I was able to raise it onto jack stands without any damage to the body.

Anyway, the front cross-member wasn't as rusty as the rear so I would like to save it without changing out new cross-member. The two front screws bushings were completely deteriorated and rust ate its surrounding parts. I'm planning on changing those two bushings and repaint it.

My question is would it be possible to unscrew the two front screws so I could change out the two bushings without taking the engine apart? I don't have a crane, can I get around it without using a crane like supporting the crossmember with a jack or something? any suggestions or should I leave it ?

 

Yeah. If you put the car on stands and support the engine/x-member with a jack. AND becareful doing it.

 

You're talking about the beam that goes from the front by the jack pad, to the rear of the engine by the firewall? Some of the engine mounts attache to it?

 

yes, there are two screws on the front and two screws on the back. Around each screws, there are small rubber bushings.

 

sure.. just put car on jack stands, then put a jack under the crossmember. remove the two bolts, then lower the jack until you've got a bit of clearance.
replace bushings, wire brush, sand, scuff, whatever, and repaint, then mash in new bushings and reassemble.

 

The FSM (manual) talks about putting a jack under the pulley/dampner and taking the wieght of the engine on that while you work on the crossmember. I would put a piece of wood in between to protect the pulley.