Nissan Repair: 84 720 transmission repair/replace, rear crossmember, clutch repair

Question
Hello, I have a  friend with an '84 720 truck.  He wants me
to help him change the trans. He says the engine & trans
must come out because a cross member stopped him on the
last clutch repair he did 2 years ago.  Does the engine
have to come out?  Is there something screwy about the rear
crossmember?  Is there a different better trans that will
go in with up to some moderate difficulty? Drive shaft
mods?  Any other advice or websites or links to more info
would also be appreciated.  Thanks, John.

Answer
John,

It is a one piece bellhousing and it is a pain to get out under the car.  It can be done but it is difficult.  If you remove the engine with the transmission it is easier in the long run.  My opinion so your choice here...  No different transmission will solve the problem since it just a design issue.  A Haynes Manual is a great book for photographs and can be obtained from several book sites on-line.  The driveshaft is a good unit so that is not a problem either.