Weld some kind of brace across the back of the plate.
I have a 1/4 belly skid on my xj with what were 3/16 ribs for support on the sides.
I hit the driver side on a rock 2 nights ago and it smashed the skid into my t case.

I know it sounds overkill but get a piece of 3/8 x 2 flat stock and weld it as a rib across the rear of your plate.

 

x2

 

Sub'd, very nice!

 

Any progress?

 

x2

 

Atmos!!!!! Your audience await you!

 

no lol. I decided not to mount the 3 link to the belly pan and instead directly to the frame rail. I didn't think I would be able to brace the pan strong enough. I will finish it when I have more time

 

Quit the direction I was going with the belly pan. I decided it wouldn't be sturdy enough for bouncing off rocks. I went with a 2x4 3/16 piece and plan to add the rest of the belly pan off of this.

Another reason for ditching the pan was that I mounted the link mounts to the frame instead. It will be nice to have the xmember separate from the suspension for serviceability

 

Looks gay.
Just kidding, that's basically the idea I had whenever I build my link/xmember setup.
You buy those mounts or did ya cut them

 

They're just some fat 3/8's tabs that were laying around the shop. Might originally be from ruffstuff

 

All that work on shaping your old belly pan and it's getting ditched?

How much shipped lol

 

Looks good. I want to make a cross member similar and make a matching one for the rear. Then make a flat belly skid to mount to the two of them.

 

I'll still be using most of it to complete the belly pan. it's already cut to pieces anyway lol

thank you. yeah that's the idea for mine too. I'll ship you the clocking jig for a couple bucks if you promise to return it.

it's finally time to get this ***** out of the garage and go wheel for the first time!