[speed220mph]

Rather than removing interior and tunnel from my car to repair a damaged ring gear, I decided to do the job from underneath. Problem is the driveshaft won't come out because of the c'member supporting the driveshaft hoop is welded into frame. No problem if you have a hacksaw. I removed center section of this small channel section, dropped rear of driveshaft, allowing trans. to slide back just far enough to clear bellhousing (after removing shifter wand). The bellhousing, clutch and flywheel was then accessible.

To restore strength to the c'member, I fabricated a 1-1/4x3/8 bar from 6061 T6 aluminum and drilled holes to match hoop bolts. After sliding everything back into place, I bolted my newly fabricated section into place and voila, done.

Only downside is material thickness doesn't allow full thread engagement with hoop bolts, so I'll replace bolts with longer ones. Another solution is would be to use thinner material. To prevent galling aluminum, I used moly grease under nuts. Hard washers will be used later.

Sorry about poor quality photo.