tranny crossmembers - need pics

[dogsofwar]

Getting ready to put in the sm465/np205 and need some ideas on my crossmember. I'm wanting to do a single square tube with bushings on the ends where it bolts to the frame. Then I was going to bolt a flatbottom plate directly to the bottom of the frame. I know some people combine the 2 and make the plate their crossmember, but I like the idea of dropping the plate without having to drop the drivetrain or having something to hold it up.

What material should the crossmember be? Is 1/8th enough or should it be 3/16 or even 1/4?

[Hackfabricaton]

1/8" plate isn't gonna make it. 3/16"-1/4" is the way to go.

Edit: 1/8" for the square tube should be adequate 5/32" a bit better...I like to 'overbuild'. 3/16" or 1/4" plate for the skid and the plate to mount the tranny to.

[jeepinlunatic]

i have thought about using 1/8 wall 1" x 3" tube for the trans mount. on my build. i was wondering how that would hold up.

[84scrambler]

I have 1/8" 2"x1" box tubing holding up my dana 300 and 4l60-E and so far I havent had any problems. It has a few cuts and welds in it to keep everything up and out of the way along with an 1/8" plated welded in for reinforcement across two of the joints. Just so you know it has only been on there a few months and one wheeling trip so only time will tell how well it handles longterm fatigue.