RE 3 piece crossmember with frame stiffeners
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
RE 3 piece crossmember with frame stiffeners
Hey guys,
I'm currently in the process of installing a rubicon express 5.5 inch long arm kit, but at the reccomendation of others on here, I'm installing some frame stiffeners first. I went with the ruffstuff stiffeners, and after more hours than I want to admit, i have them installed. Now, while getting ready to install the lift, I've come across another problem. The three piece crossmember from the lift kit doesnt fit anymore (part of it is designed to bolt around the frame, which got significantly bigger because of the stiffeners). The only solution I have thought of is to grind down the stiffener in the section I need to install the crossmember, but I would rather not do this. Is that my only option?
I'm currently in the process of installing a rubicon express 5.5 inch long arm kit, but at the reccomendation of others on here, I'm installing some frame stiffeners first. I went with the ruffstuff stiffeners, and after more hours than I want to admit, i have them installed. Now, while getting ready to install the lift, I've come across another problem. The three piece crossmember from the lift kit doesnt fit anymore (part of it is designed to bolt around the frame, which got significantly bigger because of the stiffeners). The only solution I have thought of is to grind down the stiffener in the section I need to install the crossmember, but I would rather not do this. Is that my only option?
#3
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: PA
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
I would like to see a pic also, without seeing I would modify the crossmember.
I think there was another thread similar to this but with a different brand crossmember.
Try a search.
I think there was another thread similar to this but with a different brand crossmember.
Try a search.
Last edited by madmanmarty; 05-26-2016 at 02:22 PM. Reason: sp
#4
::CF Administrator::
I'll reserve judgement until we can see what is going on. I had to trim the pinch seam and add crush sleeves and spacers when I installed my 3 link bracketry. Different than a crossmember but it'll be easier to give direction with a visual.
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Macomb,MI
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
I think your problem is that the stiffeners pushed the link brackets outboard, causing the bellypan skid/crossmember to be not wide enough to reach the both brackets. I have notched the frame stiffeners where the link brackets go, so they are stock width. It ended up being about 1 1/2" up the side and the length of the bracket. This way the RE brackets stayed the correct width for the belly pan to bolt to.
If your steady with a cutoff wheel, you can try and cut the piece of stiffener out where the bracket goes. I did mine before I welded it on the jeep. Measured about 10 times to make sure how much, total pain in the ***!!!
If your steady with a cutoff wheel, you can try and cut the piece of stiffener out where the bracket goes. I did mine before I welded it on the jeep. Measured about 10 times to make sure how much, total pain in the ***!!!
#7
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
8 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Trending Topics
#8
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
The picture posted above does show how it should work. Here's a few more pictures though. They aren't great, but they show the issue.
bracket on the frame rail with no stiffener
bracket on the frame rail with stiffener
as you can see, those holes are supposed to line up to existing bolt holes, and it no longer does
better image that shows how the bracket doesn't fit over the stiffener
bracket on the frame rail with no stiffener
bracket on the frame rail with stiffener
as you can see, those holes are supposed to line up to existing bolt holes, and it no longer does
better image that shows how the bracket doesn't fit over the stiffener
#13
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Thanks Ronin, that looks like my best option right now. The passenger side stiffener actually isn't welded on yet, so technically I could cut that side beforehand like others have mentioned, but I'm **** about things being the same. I'll probably be doing your idea on both sides.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)