Replacing cross members...

[GUJohnno]

I have just body lifted my TD-6 GU Patrol and now that the radiator is sitting higher, I'm thinking of cutting out the cross member that is in front of the radiator. This would give about 3"s of extra clearance on the approach angle.

I have been told that if you replace it with something as strong or stronger than it's not a problem. Any ideas...?

I was thinking of using 100mmx50mm box with 4-5mm thickness.

100mm is the size of the chassis rail. This would then go straight across and save room. Getting the new comp bar measured up tommorrow so I need to decide tonight...

[AndrewPatrol]

I would have thought you wouldn't get that engineered??????? Or can you??

[GUJohnno]

a couple of phone calls today suggests yes...

[ozy1]

if you were to do it, it would be suggested that you run fish plates to help spread the forces, and i was told by my enginner, if i were to add cross members they need to be at a minimum of the same thickness of the chassis rail.

[GUJohnno]

Fish plates..... on top and bottom....?

[ozy1]

okay in the pic below the fish plates is made with holes, so you have a larger welded area, which increases strength, the holes are not needed thou, the engineer also told me to make them rounded corners,

so basically you weld the fishplate to the chassis, and you weld your cross member to the fish plate.

[GUJohnno]

Stu came around tonight to measure for the bar. I got the grinder out and we took the front bar out. It is basically there to protect the radiator. There is a crosmember just behind the radiator. We also cut 3"s of the front of the chassis, the crumple section.

Looking forward to getting the bar on. The approach angle will be far better.

Thanks for your help.