Additional cross member for frame strengthening

[Black1990jeep]

I have center frame stiffeners, and am planning on fronts, I have mounted some beefy rock rails already too. I also want to maybe try adding additional crossmember in the center section behind the stock cross member that holds the tranny. and transfer case. Maybe a perpendicular to frame cross member, or maybe two diagonals to form and X. Of course I need to clear the rear drive shaft movement and clear my catalyst and exhaust pipe/ muffler This is for a 1990 XJ.

What all have you done?

 

[Anak]

Consider working it into a skid plate.

I have not done an additional crossmember, but the skid plate I put in has the potential to add some stiffness. It certainly would if paired with additional framing.

 

[75SV1]

On the front, I'd suggest a steering box brace. Boostwerks or Ironmans. I think Ruff Stuff might make something. Also, a Trackbar brace. I have Stinky Fabs on mine. I do have Ironmans and Rubicon Express ones not installed. Also, Alpine makes one.

 

[Tim_MN]

I suggest front and rear receiver mounts. Simple, effective, useful.

 

[BALTANAKT]

Yeah I don’t know why cross bracing isn’t a thing. I’ve been thinking about it lately. Seems one could build off a tcase skid. Also seems to be room in front of the rear axle.

 

[stickandrudder]

not sure what control arm setup you're using but the long arm kits with the beefed up crossmembers are pretty solid. I have the rusty's crossmember on mine with the dropout for the trans and it's way more substantial than stock, might be able to kill a few birds with one upgrade. Do rear stiffeners too.

 

[maxbraketorque]

I would aim to reinforce the front and rear before messing with a crossbrace at the center of the unibody, especially since you already have center frame stiffeners. I did a receiver at the rear. For the front, I've got beefy steering box bracing, a track bar mount cross brace, and I beefed up the bumper attachment. These probably aren't as good as frame stiffeners, but they were things I could readily do.

I have thought about doing a center brace, but I would locate it aft of center to try to stiffen the frame around front leaf spring attachment. I think there is room in front of the gas tank.