Hey all,

I've searched around the internets for this piece of information, and can't come to a satisfying answer.

I have a 2011 Fx4, and there is a front crossmember (joining both frame rails).
Is it of any use, or can i ditch it?

The reason to the question is that I will be installing a winch mount

 

I think its there as an additional support for the torsion bars. You can cut it out, but when you make your mount for your winch, you need to be sure to attach it to where the old cross member was. You'll need to beef up the front of the frame anyways so you don't tweak it by pulling at a sideways angle. Bottom line, beef up a sturdier cross member to mount the winch to and you shouldn't have a problem.

 

thanks Dewey.

Actually I have a winch plate which I will cut, fit and weld in between the frame rails


I don't think I would need to beef up the front with this option, since the plate is in 1/4in thick

 

You should be more than safe. I think the factory one is 3/16 or less. Personally I'd do some angle brackets on each side/front and back of the plate too. Probably way overkill though

 

2wd trucks don't have them. The center piece is a joke and can be cut out without issue. if you cut the part with the vertical slits in it, you'll have a little bit of trouble mounting an oem bumper in the future if you decide to lol

 

Well I guess I'm good, I don't have an OEM bumper, got tired of it breaking :P

 

in that case, get cutting and welding

 

I thought any t bar truck had it. Mine does, I believe.

 

Before cutting the old one out, put a ratchet strap to hold the rails together. Most likely not needed, but peace of mind to make sure the frame rails don't separate slightly.

 

Indeed, the ratchet strap was needed but everything is in place now :)

picture here:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/projec...thread-141824/