I plan to mod the rear cargo area of my XJ. Are these OEM brackets found under the rear seat a structural necessity or can they be cut out with no effect on the chassis? Thanks

 

I'm not familiar enough to say, but does it have spot welds in it?

 

If it's just tack welded to the body pan, you're probably OK to cut it out.

Don't blame me if your Jeep folds in half afterwards.

 

Necessary no, helpful yes

 

Please explain

 

Well I would assume any extra metal would strengthen it to some degree so by removing it that would in theory make it that much weaker.

Max

 

Anytime you crease or fold metal it becomes resistant to warping. But that piece is just hanging in the air and not really braced against anything. So it is helping to prevent the floorpan from warping, but its not going to stop it from crumpling like paper if enough force is applied.

 

Keep in mind, the leaf spring hangar is just below that, without it, the hangar is just attached to the floor pan and side of frame. I think that gives the hangar more upward support