Bent Crossmember and Dented Frame: Safe?

[Bratch]

All right guys I screwed up today, how bad is it? I’m not actually sure if I did it or if it’s been like this and I have never noticed but lets assume it was me.

I was doing a transmission flush and filter change. Read all the how-tos a few
times, gathered all my supplies and got
started.

I started with removing the transmission skid, when I disconnected it from the transfer case skid , I heard a pop. Didn’t think much of it and took out one frame bolt and started the second but stopped because I was afraid of breaking off the nut(it did anyway). It was loose enough to rotate the crossmember and skid out of the way.

I completed the flush and went to bolt everything back up and noticed it wasn’t lining up. Started looking closer and the crossmember is nice and bent, cut the bolt to get it off and then notice the dented frame.

Is she still safe to drive on road without the crossmember and skid?

How about with that frame?

What’s my next steps? I found Blaine’s Nutsert that seemed like step 1.

 

[Frank M]

You’re fine driving without the trans skid. It’s just to protect the trans when off road.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Is she still safe to drive on road without the crossmember and skid?

How about with that frame?

What’s my next steps? I found Blaine’s Nutsert that seemed like step 1.

Crossmember holds the trans/Xfer case into the Jeep.

Think of the crossmember/skis as the abdominals of your Jeep. Would you feel ok traipsing around town without your ab muscles to keep your guts from spilling out?

 

[Frank M]

The skid in the picture is the transmission skid not the transfer case skid.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

The skid in the picture is the transmission skid not the transfer case skid.

Unless the OP (or a P.O.) has modified away from stock, there should only be one crossmember…

 

[Bratch]

Left out details. 2004, 4.0 with 42RLE.

Transfer case skid is there.

When I put the crossmember back up nothing is touching it for direct support, it did bolt into the transfer skid though.

 

[Bratch]

Found several references to this crossmember being redundant as @Frank M mentioned.

This thread helped:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/extra-crossmember-on-frame.10083/

I’m planning to drive her tomorrow.

Next step and new thread is the skid plate, probably a UCF engine skid but I’ll get the groups input.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

I hadn't realized that the auto trans TJ's were so fragile that they needed that extra plate and support for the plate. (only ever had manual 'true' Jeeps... the JT is first auto)

Yes, as long as your main crossmember/skid is in place you should be fine.

 

[TheBoogieman]

It slightly protects the auto trans pan on 03-06' TJs. As soon as you lift your Jeep the front driveshaft will hit it.

 

[LONGJP2]

Fine to drive without it.
I wouldn't do any serious off road wheeling without it.

 

[LONGJP2]

the JT is first auto)

Does it have a transmission pan skid plate?

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Does it have a transmission pan skid plate?

Nope.

 

[LONGJP2]

Nope.

View attachment 410985

Are you sure?
https://www.morris4x4center.com/mopar-transmission-skid-plate-68083042aa-m.html

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Are you sure?
https://www.morris4x4center.com/mopar-transmission-skid-plate-68083042aa-m.html

If you want to consider that one… it’s the thong of skids.

The only thing that is good at, is impeding forward progress.

 

[AMS417]

It’s fine, dent in the frame doesn’t look too bad. That transmission pan skid plate you referred to as a crossmember is not structural. Just added protection for the trans pan.

 

[ColoJeep]

Does it have a transmission pan skid plate?

With a wheelbase of 137.3 " why would anyone need one ?...............

 

[Weasellee]

Found several references to this crossmember being redundant as @Frank M mentioned.

This thread helped:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/extra-crossmember-on-frame.10083/

I’m planning to drive her tomorrow.

Next step and new thread is the skid plate, probably a UCF engine skid but I’ll get the groups input.

I’m a big fan of my M.O.R.E. engine / tranny skid. Very well built and attaches to the frame up front. Although i have smashed it to bent but that’s what it’s there for.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Nope.

View attachment 410985

Not enough holes under that thing for me.
p.s. Is that a Chinese listening device and smiley face here?

 

[TheBoogieman]

I’m a big fan of my M.O.R.E. engine / tranny skid. Very well built and attaches to the frame up front. Although i have smashed it to bent but that’s what it’s there for.

I'm assuming it's there NOT to be smashed to bent. What it's there for to protect is next.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

p.s. Is that a Chinese listening device and smiley face here?

View attachment 411099

Rock light. Wife and 9yo son wanted them installed for haunted trail rides...