Anyone happen to know the thickness of the stock cross members? When changing my gas tank straps this weekend I managed to pull one strap right through the front cross member. I'm going to be ordering new steel to build a new cross member but I forgot to take measurements of the thickness and width between the frame rails.

Anyone happen to have it or happen to have their bed off to take a quick measurement for me?

 

I don't know the width dimension but the thickness is 10 gauge or about 1/8". I would think square tube would be the best bet.

 

Yeah I think I'll need to use square tube, angle it about 6" from the side of the frame rails then on the bottom cut out the section for the strap then cut the top off in that corner too so the strap can go all the way through and lock in.

Thanks man. 1/8th inch it is.

 

That sounds like it will work. From a strength standpoint you might want to just add some tabs from angle or flat bar or something to attach the straps to. The less you alter the square cross section the stronger it will be, of course I think no matter what you do it will be stronger than stock.