QUESTION: I was reading your frame replacement on your 78 CJ-5 with interest. I have a 79 CJ-5. I have a bolt on tire carrier. It’s mounted to the rear cross member. Appears as if it’s a little too heavy, as cracks have appeared in the cross member where the bumper/carrier is mounted. Question: It looks like the cross member is welded to the frame in a few locations. Yes/No? Can I simply unbolt the cross-member and replace, or is there more involved? I plan on replacing the cross member, and reinforcing the area where the bumper/tire carrier mounts. I don’t weld, but have a place near by that can do it for me. (This Jeep is a family heirloom…it’s been to Italy and back with us, and I learned to drive in it.) James Walker
ANSWER: The crossmember is fully welded to the frame and would need to be cut off to be replaced. There are factory replacement cross members available. Contact OK Auto for more info on a replacement. In our frame replacement article we replaced the rear cross member with a piece of 3/16″ “C” channel. The channel is much cleaner looking and stronger. The new cross member is welded in place and the rear bumper is bolted to the cross member backed with reinforcement plates the bolt to the frame as well.
With the body on the Jeep cutting the old member off will not be easy.
Related article: CJ-5 Frame Replacement