Original trans Xmember question '57

[yossarian19]

So, I notice that the transmission cross member on my '57 is dented and quite probably in the way of the coming 4l60E.
I was thinking I'd just cut the rivets & get rid of it, adding a separate cross member further down the line to support the trans. Then I noticed that the OE member ties the two leaf spring mounts together.
Should I worry about tying the leaf mounts together, maybe modifying the stock member to clear the trans - or just get rid of it?