Hey guys, I found the parts I need to replace my front cross members at SNG Part listing Are there any threads on the forum that someone can point me to that breakdown the steps needed to replace this piece? Cheers

 

is this the lower body / sheet metal panel between both fenders / wings?

if yes, the new one will have the holes for the 2 bolts on each side where it bolts to the chassis and the holes for the bottom edge.

remove the lower grille and the bolts under the panel that hold the bottom splash guard in place.

then remove the two 5/8" bolts on each side that are located under the lower front, inside the wheel housings. You will need to remove the front tires for access.
Those bolts are not easy to remove, you will need a wobble adapter for the ratchet and socket.

also you can apply caulking on each side where it meets with the wings to prevent water pooling between both panels. Sort of like placing a gasket between the side panels. Use a waterproof and paintable caulking or sealant.

 

I haven't seen any threads on this subject, but as you will see when you strip the car out to expose the cross member, you'll see it is welded into position on each side of the front engine bay. There is a flat cover plus the lower part, that together form a hollow box. The top cover is welded to the lower member by spot welds as I remember, but I think there is some mig-welding involved where it is welded to the front side members. There will be quite a bit of dismantling to do, for instance the front valence is screwed onto the lower face of the cross member. This is where corrosion occurs as a narrow undrained crevice is formed that fills with wet and salty leaves. I can't remember whether I replaced the front valance on my 1980 Series 3, but I did space out the valance from the cross member so water could drain easily. I also put a lot of anti-rust fluid into the cross member box.
Certainly for doing the work, I would think the following need removal as a minimum:

- hood and its hinges
- front valance
- radiator and piping.

Doug Dwyer, a regular on this forum, may know a lot more as he currently drives an XJ saloon, (V12 I think)

 

some pics on post 12 of https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ration-173246/ ,may help you.
The front cross member comes complete (top and bottom) and is welded to the bottom of the pillars/ posts and two end plates (not shown) welded on top. It may be worth putting in a cross brace before cutting out the cross member