Rear Crossmember/Bumper

Good morning,

Question about bumpers.

I purchased a nice piece of channel steel to replace my rusted out bumper but, since it was so rusted out in the center near the brace, I don't know if it was notched to sit flat originally or what. When I mock it up, it's not deep enough to sit on the edge of the frame because of the center bracing.

Here is a picture of what it currently looks like. Excuse the rust mess underneath it! Like I said...that old bumper was barely holding on.

::Edit::

It looks like the bracing was for the hitch and may not be needed. But, it's not in bad shape and if I ever re-add the hitch, I'd need the bracing anyways...ehh?

 

The top face of the crossmember drops about 1/2" for about 12" width in the center. Corresponds to the cutout in the body apron below the tailgate.

 

PeteL,

Thanks for confirming this. Now, how do I get out of work early to go wrench?

 

If you have any plans for a rear tank, now would be the time to remove the diagonal braces. Personally, I don't like running the original hitches as they hang too low if you do any trail riding. That said, it can keep the rear axle sort of in-place when you tear the spring hangers off the frame.R)

 

On the other hand, if you ever pull hard on anything, the braces are essential to prevent pulling the rear frame member into bad shapes.

 

Rocking the stock tank so, I think I'll keep the brace, make or buy a new pentagon shaped plate and just be prepared to mount the hitch down the road if need be.

 

I cut the diagonal braces out of my frame when I installed the rear tank, with no ill effects (many others have done the same).
70-75 CJ's were made this way from the factory. I believe those braces were holdovers from the pintle hitch on the M38A1.