Front crossmember

[Weasel]

Mines dented all up, its getting replaced and I'm sticking a winch under there somewhere.

Question is how much of it can I cut out without the front rails moving? I know the radiator is supported by it and I'm leaving some of the top half, I'd like to cut the bottom and middle portions out to get a better idea of winch fitment and replacement crossmember dimesnions. Also the shop that helping me install (welding) the replacement stuff is up the road so I'll have to drive it at some point. Bad idea to cut it then drive or should I be ok?

 

[Jeff 98XJ WI]

I had my MJ completely stripped when I cut mine, but I welded in a piece of angle iron back a bit first as a temporary crossmember. I really don't think it made much of a difference. However, after modifying the front of the frame by welding in some 2x6x3/16 box, I welded another temporary piece of tubing across the front before removing the first temporary crossmember just for good measure. Again, I really don't thing anything was moving around, but I wanted to be safe. I haven't completed the front yet as I'm still fitting things in. When I do finish it I plan to weld tubing between the boxed front frame rails. Jeff

 

[_MURDERED OUT_]

well when i cut mine all out to put a big radiator where the grille once was, i drove it around the yard some an man did the front end move like crazy. Just sitting still and barely turning the steering wheel you could see the fenders and hood moving. But i also had no bumper or anything on at the time. now i put my arb bumper back on and its all good. And actually i am now goin to redo my bumper mounts with some extended brackets i got from UKRAINE TRAIN on here, they are thick and will brace up the front frame around my steering box too.

 

[Goatman]

I like Jeff's idea of welding somethng temporary in there while you're moving it around. Of course, if you don't have a welder that may not be possible. Do you have a good aftermarket bumper on it with some stronger bumber mounts that will help hold it all together?

 

[Weasel]

it's not bad, not super great though either. I'll probably just wait.

 

[xjbubba]

You could bolt in a track bar cross brace. It would go from the track bar mount on the driver's side frame rail to the passenger side frame rail. The holes are already drilled on the passenger side. I'd recommend doing that, if you don't have access to a welder.