I need stiffeners. It's a new build moving my goodies from my ruster to a clean 2000. I'm going to use CavFab's long arm. But I want to install stiffeners.
Question is do I need 3/16?
It's between HD's and Ruffstuff's mids with HD's front and rears. Ruffstuff's thicker, got the lip on top and HD's has a whole lot of Rossette holes.

Any opinions as I'm really, really a novice welder. I've got the Hobart 140 with gas.

 

I would go for the lighter gauge metal or have a friend/shop weld in the thicker gauge if you go that way.

 

Do the Ruffstuff have the rossette holes as well as the lip.
The 3/16 is 40+%thicker, if the price to step up is affordable, go the 3/16.
With long arms installation sounds like your on the serious side of this build.
Both systems will provide excellent firming up of the rig, the 3/16 system will suvive serious offroad flexing. Do significant work around your steering box mounting area as that is common failure location.
Your Hobart 140 will handle the welding, you will need shield gas and .030 wire or .035 wire dia, .023 wire will be too small, fluxcore is not the best for this application.
Clean your weld areas thoroughly.
Take your time and do it really good, both systems will take the same time,
My opinion, go the 3/16 for the longevity of the build.

 

Just a suggestion. I just got done installing the hooligan off road rear and mid stiffeners in my 01 with the same welder. They are 3/16 and wrap all the way around the uniframe. I am really happy with the quality. A full set is $475 plus shipping. They have rosettes and you stich weld the rest. I did have to drill holes for the ebrake bracket and enlarge the rear holes for the gas tank/nut strips.