Crossmember replacement help

[Gclyne]

I am about to replace the cross member on my 78 CJ5 , the PO added a bumper with a hitch and did not connect it to the frame, only connected to the crossmember. Some time or another it was stepped on to hard or was hit and the crossmember sits a little bit to low on one side.

I figured replacing it wouldn't be a big deal since it's a fairly cheap part at $60.

I need help on how to install it the easiest way. I want avoid removing the gas tank if at all possible. Does anyone have expierience with this? Thanks in advance!

 

[caveman]

No matter how you hook the crossmember in, The tank needs to come out. Threre's just no way to get to the top of the cross member. If i remember right there's going to be some rivets that needs to be ground off to take the old one out.

 

[Gclyne]

Ok thanks caveman, was trying to go the lazy way I guess!

 

[Jimbos76cj]

I don't beleive that there's rivets.. Just welded on the top and bottom of the frame rails. I would look into a heavy duty cross member something in the 3/16 thickness range. When I replaced mine I removed the tank and welded bar stock from frame rail to frame rail on the top and bottom then diagonal supports across my top and bottom supports to keep the frame from moving once the old one is cut out. I'd also support the weight of the jeep I front of the front rear spring mount.. The one that welded on. The remove the rear spring hanger. This will limit the amount of things that will try and twist the frame.

Also the gas tank bolts to the rear cross member so you need to drop it any way to get the cross member off.

 

[mtnwhlr]

And you don't want sparks flying around a gas tank the outcome could get real ugly fast.

 

[Gclyne]

Ok can sounds easy enough! Thanks guys


Do any of you guys have hitches on the back of your cj's? And if so were mounted? I would assume to the frame but where at?

 

[JPSOUP]

I need to remove my rear crossmember too. Mine has a hitch on it that I used to pull a small stump.... bent the crossmember!

So I've got a Ground Pounder Fab bumper set on order and need to replace the crossmember too.

I don't have a welder... Can I put a new one in without welding? Should I spend double the money on the Gen Right (thicker) part even if my bumper is 1/4" steel?

Best way to drain the tank?

Thanks guys