[Mark IV]

Please be aware that the factory's official position is that a "removable" cross member removes all warranty and liability from the chassis so modified.
There is a dealer service bulletin telling us not to do it.

Guys, there is no need to cut the crossmember out. The trans comes out easily with the tunnel removed. Yes, there is messy sealer on the tunnel but put down some self-stick carpet runner and run a putty knife around the sealer.

Yes, you can sneak the trans out the rear but it is tight. If you have a good engine hoist you can pull the entire unit out in way less time than cutting and welding.