Originally Posted by 94XjSport94

Looks good so far. I would cut out the square in between the 4 stock bumper bolts on each side and slide a piece of 2x4x3/16 in there and use the hitch bolts to act as a tie in. That is typically the most common thing to do. If not a piece of flat stock running down the bottom of the frame rail tied into the 2x4 you already have should be better than the 4 stock bolts on each side. I would certainly tie it in though. I have seen those nuts break off of that thin sheet metal rear crossmember and with the Michigan rust and a fullsize spare that will be a lot of weight to add plus the stress of ever towing or using it as a recovery point. Any plans for D ring tabs or a hitch? I would take a hitch piece and cut out a square in the 4x4 at the top center and weld it to the top lip and the sides of the vertical piece to get rid of the bulky hitch hanging down. I like these latches: http://www.atozfabrication.com/store...cat=274&page=1 Or two holes with a 5/8 red cotter pin would work, I just prefer the threaded latch. Good work and dedication for someone as young as you. Many people older than you wouldn't pay as much attention to detail as you do.

Originally Posted by kelly4

I totally agree.
I had my jeep up on the sand dunes this weekend and it performed great. Never once worried about the bumper being unstable and I had some pretty hard landings too.

Attachment 249995

Originally Posted by DSALMON-629

What do you do with the exhaust hanger bolts if you add tubing into the frame rail? The small plate that the hanger bolts thread into looks like it is welded down on my xj. It is causing a little interference with my mounts.