Crossmember/T-case Skid Build
10-02-2017, 02:14 PM
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: California
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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)
10-05-2017, 12:29 PM
#4
CF Veteran
Looks good. Reminds me of my Rusty's crossmember that's 1/4" thick but with no tcase coverage, going to get their skid plate for that.
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11-20-2017, 07:44 AM
#10
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Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Pasquotank, NC
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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.
