question for you guys. if i got some 3/4 in flat stock about 2.5 in wide. would i be good with 5 bolts on each side, then run a piece across the front. it would come through the factory bumper. then just drill a hole for the shackels. what do you guys think?

 

Should work fine, I'd say tie it together with square tubing, then you could even add a hitch to it. Though, considering you will have to take the whole bumper off and modify the way it mounts (the flat stock would be on the frame where the mounts went) if you had the time and money I'd say make a whole bumper!

 

Moved to Advanced Tech.

 

what size square tubing do you think? and sorry i posted in the wrong thread.

 

I'd use 2x2x3/16th but it takes some skill to properly weld something like that to 3/4" thick steel. You basically want something holding them together for lateral (side to side) rigidity. That way the load can be distributed better, and you don't risk bending the frame as much on angled pulls.

 

ive got access to the hobby shop and the two welders have been welding for over 30 years. ive seen them weld some heavy stuff. ill make a paint doc soon for pic reference.

 

Use 3" square if you want to put a hitch through it. The receiver mounts typically measure 2.5" on the outside.

 

good point. just might do that

 

The xj i bought for parts has a similar setup, it has 2" square tubing welded between the stock bumper mounts, then 1/2" thick flat bar welded to the front of the square tubing. It was all tied in in various places to the front crossmember, then the front bumper bolts on the normal way then a uk type hitch bolts through the lot. The square tubing has crush tubes welded in to stop it crushing when the hitch is bolted on. Its removed from the vehicle now, so will take pics tomorrow when its light. The uk hitches look like this...http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-50MM-B...#ht_500wt_1268

 

definitely tie it together with square tube instead of flat bar. Tube resists deformation better than bar stock does (in same or close thicknesses), which is pretty much exactly the point of that piece

 

I picked up a front receiver for mine. Easy install, uses the sway bar mounts and you drill 2 holes to secure the front half.



Trim the air dam if you have it.

 

how much did that run you?

 

chevy logo on a jeep...

 

$125-150.00 ish. I got it thru work.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/xj...o-long-108404/