'72 Crossmember Questions

My 72 cj-5 has a good solid frame with only one issue which is this cross-member. It has a small hole and the steel is also very thin in the area around the hole (way to thin to weld). Also, this seems to be two pieces sandwiched together. As you can see in the pictures, the two pieces are separating. So I'm left with two questions; One, what is the reason for this being a two piece unit (strength???), and two, should this be completeley replaced and if so do I need to fab one or can this piece be bought? My whole project has been moving along pretty smooth, this is the only place i'm stumped. Never really done frame work before. Any input is GREATLY appreciated!

 

Its probably best to fab up a new one out of square tubing.

 

Be sure to allow room for up travel in the rear end if you fab one up. I used a straight piece of tube and had to notch the center so the pinion wouldn’t hit while wheeling.

 

It seems to me that the further back on the frame you go, the more likely rust-through is present. Salt splash seems to get prgressively worse as you move from front to back. Also, the frames on these Jeeps seem to outlast the bodies universally. If you have a Jeep with a good body and a rotten frame, that's contrary to the usual situation. With it torn down as much as your pictures show, I would be inclined to look for a replacement frame from the south or west. You could certainly repair the existing frame, but I think you'd want to media blast the existing frame and then add steel wherever the frame steel is not structurally sound. Once you start removing rust, I think you'll find more places you want to repair other than that one cross member.

 

On my frame the only soft spot was that crossmember it rotted because the mice made a nest in the hollow spot in the middle. It got wet and made rust. Fixed the rust and have used fluid film since with no additional rust problems. Just check the rest before you get carried away fixing things.

 

I strap welded mine with 3/16 and also the whole frame. I had the same issue with rot. No problem welding as the steel was thick enough at the curled edges

 

Al in all it came out pretty good

 

thanks for all of the reply's. I actually stumbled across a frame for a 73 someone had for real short money a couple towns over from me. All clean, PORed and ready to build. I'm going to worry about fixing the original frame after this project is built. It will be a good start to project number 2