Ok so while laying under my xj the other day and just staring at the undercarrage I began to plan out my frame plating that I need to do, But then I had an idea and I would like some opionons on it.

So commonly we weld in 10ga steel plate to the exterior of the frame to strenghten it right? simple enough to do but lots of prep work involved.

I then began to thing about how difficult it would be to completely cut out the bottom section of the frame exposing the void in the middle from there I was thinking you could with a little extra work run 3" OD DOM the entire length of the mid section of the frame basicaly in essance replacing the bottom plate with the tubing. maybe gussets tied in above that for extra support. I am going to start by cutting up my donor and looking into the frame to see what I have to work with but it seams to me that that would if done correctly give you the same effect as plating off the entire frame with a stronger outcome.

Anyone have ideas on this or have knowledge that would hinder me from being able to do this?

 

i think its an awesome idea

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/to...orcing-103014/

lots of ideas for what you want to do

 

Moved to Advanced Tech.


I have thought about making an actual frame, but is it really worth it?

Alotta work, and the current frame is fine once stiffened.

Don't get me wrong, I have thought about it. But what real gains does this allow?

 

I think its a great idea. I have thought the same thing after seeing a tube framed cj

 

Cool, Well I think I may jump on it. Wont be able to buy my tube for another couple of weeks but I will do a thread on it if anyone is interested. Gee, That was my second though to entirely cut the frame out and build my own but as you said no read advantages compaired to a beefed up uni other than maybe ease of setting up coilover conversions and the like but once again it can be done with the uni.

 

I'm doing 3" 3/16 wall angle along the frame rail. Cut and fitted to the shape of the frame, then welded at the V of those cuts and all the way up and down the piece. I know guys running this setup, and combined with the rockers he makes the frame can take a massive beating without twisting...one guy he built it for literally jumps his XJ and lands on the rockers, along with just hammering the whole truck on the trail (lead foot) and 4 years later they are just starting to rub the bottom of the door, but the frame still isn't tweaked.