Crossmember/T-case Skid Build
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: California
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Crossmember/T-case Skid Build
One of the main areas on my jeep that felt vulnerable to me was the flimsy stock transmission crossmember as well as the lack of a transfer place skid to protect the exposed t-case. I could not find any aftermarket options that I really liked or that would really work with my setup. The way the full traction suspension brackets mount to the uni-rail didnt really allow for any aftermarket options.
That being said, I took off to the steelyard and grabbed about $30 in 3/16" sheet remnants and got to creating what I feel is a pretty solid setup (especially compared to stock!) My goal was to build a new member that was both more study than stock and would also allow for greater ground clearance.. all without spending hundreds on dollars
I did all this with pretty basic tools: 4.5" grinders, lincoln 130 welder, cordless drill/bits and some basic hand tools. All the bends were scored with the grinder on the backside then bent and stitch welded along the scored side. Had I had some larger tools or machinery I would have build this slightly different, but I worked with what I had and I think it came out pretty good. Love to hear comments/feedback what I could improve upon next time! (I already know my welding could use a little practice)
That being said, I took off to the steelyard and grabbed about $30 in 3/16" sheet remnants and got to creating what I feel is a pretty solid setup (especially compared to stock!) My goal was to build a new member that was both more study than stock and would also allow for greater ground clearance.. all without spending hundreds on dollars
I did all this with pretty basic tools: 4.5" grinders, lincoln 130 welder, cordless drill/bits and some basic hand tools. All the bends were scored with the grinder on the backside then bent and stitch welded along the scored side. Had I had some larger tools or machinery I would have build this slightly different, but I worked with what I had and I think it came out pretty good. Love to hear comments/feedback what I could improve upon next time! (I already know my welding could use a little practice)
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CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 60
From: Pasquotank, NC
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Quality work. I was hoping to see an additional mount at the end of the transfer skid portion. I would be concerned about landing hard on the skid and ripping one of the mounting bolts out, lot of leverage on the bolts at the back end of the skid.
