front frame support ideas

[belowme51]

Would like to see what you guys have done for the front frame support after removing the giant piece of steel thats there. I dont have a pic of it but it the "v" shaped support up front. I was thinking about cutting a design in it or if there is any replacements that is out there other than just a piece of round tube. I would love to compliment my dropmemberd truck and that thing is just in the way and ugly.
Thanks for your thoughts & ideas

[JimKshortstep4x4]

I am not sure what you have in mind but just an FYI on the front member. It is pretty important and without its function the truck will not steer very well as the member provides the stiffness needed to keep the steering box stable.

Jim

[belowme51]

I don't have the same steering...I have the porterbuilt dropmember with a rack and pinion. I don't want to lose the strength ability of that piece just want it different.
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[mmmBoost]

I don't have the front cross member in mine either. it was only being held in by the 2 top rivets. So I finished it off long ago. I have been debating what to put in its place for more strength or should I just rob a factory one out of another truck?

[mmmBoost]

bump

[LockDoc]

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I would say get the plasma cutter out and cut a design in it, clean it up, paint it and be done.

mmmBoost: If you have the stock steering box in it I would replace it with one from another frame. The frame may crack around the steering box mount after a while if you don't. I would also use grade 8 bolts to bolt it in.

Just my 2¢ worth.

LockDoc

[mmmBoost]

Here's mine right now. Its been a frame up resto for 8.5 yrs. I'm debating whether to try and get a factory on or just put a piece of C channel accross the front under where the radiator will sit so you can't see it easily

[belowme51]

I did cut a design in mine and replaced the rivets with grade 8 allen bolts/washers/nylock nuts to make it removable. But Its still a big piece does look better for sure but I think that Nate @ Porterbuilt makes a simple tube that replaces it and bolts to the center of the frame rails for a simpler look.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Id cut a members only circle into it and bolt it back in..

[mmmBoost]

Well I would but the previous owner used mine as a tow hook at one point in time and ripped it all to Anyone have a scrap frame that I could salvage a front cross member out of? Or know where I could acquire one from? I'll check with Porterbuilt too

[belowme51]

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

Id cut a members only circle into it and bolt it back in..

I actually boxed the rear of my frame and am putting my "members only" plaque from Porterbuilt in the middle with some nice hardware. It will be powdercoated red to match the black/red theme with the truck. the front I cut a couple of triangle type shapes out of it and from the engine looking foward looks pretty nice but from the front it just does not do it any justice because it is so big and at an pretty good angle. If I had a tube style that was centered I could definetly use that to mount my VU4 Accuair manifold to with a nice clean mounting bracket....the manifold, compressors and tanks are really the only air ride parts that will be visible just for astetics and accessability god forbid an issue. It seems like Im coming up with my own idea now after a little feedback..lol but would love to something up front that will showcase my beautiful front dropmember/truss system because the truck is being built with alot of the newest goodies from PB and latest technology in the air ride dept. Tonight I get to plug up about 100 holes in my frame but if its gonna be clean you gotta do it and being that it will be on the ground most of the time Im very meticulas about how this is being built and want it as durable as possible but clean and smooth too. I will post a picture tonight of what I have done with it for now...any feedback is welcome.