Well, I'm still in the design phase of the new linked suspension for my EB. It is going to be a 4-link and I'm going to move the rear back 6 inches. The problem is the differential will hit on the cross member if I move it back any thing more than 3 inches.

So here is what I'm thinking and I really want your opinions on. I'm thinking of cutting the frame off right where the forward rear spring perches are and putting in raised tubing in it's place that is tied into the cage and the rear bumper. I would run supports across the floor to the other side and up to the cage above.

The benefits would be that I would probably loose some weight.

The cons would be, well, I'm hacking up the frame. That's a pretty damned permanent thing and it makes me nervous. I'd also have to build it strong enough to be sure that it could support the weight of the rear end as I'd be mounting the coils to it. I'm thinking 2" x .25" DOM. Another con is that it would take longer to do and cost more $$.

Here is a photochop of what I'm thinking right here (http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/thecovertfamily/lst?.dir=/Bronco/Rev+E+Plans&.view=t)

An alternative would be to cut the cross member out and make a new one that is higher up.

The benefits of this one are time and money.

The cons are that I'd have to make sure that it is good and strong.

Guide me o wise ones for I don't want to fawk up my Bronco.

-Jack

Make a pic like I mentioned in the other thread and let us chop it for you.

Good idea.

Here is a shot of the rear part of the frame.

and as it sits now...

And how it was a couple of days ago...

From the sounds of it Jack, you're not ready to tackle that yourself. 2"x .250 wall will not save any weight and will most likely add a bit to the project.

I recomend cutting your x-member and replacing it. when doing that also remember to look at the one you cut out, its probably made 1/8" formed steel, so don't replace it with something solid, ya know what I mean?

Eric Filar

You don't think it would save some weight? I figured inch by inch it would be lighter than the frame.

I'm not worried about fab skills, I'm more worried about doing something that permanent and regretting it later.

So you're saying for the new cross member, don't go over-board on the material? What would you recommend. Perhaps some 2x4 3/16" box? Thanks for the reply. I ought to just bring it down to you guys so you can turn it into a JR mobile. But I'm just a poor slob.

-Jack

4"x1/8"box would be enough, or you could form the steel yourself useing some flat or a mixture of the two

Eric Filar