Welding Question

i like the welding option, but if youre going to weld it you first need to relieve the stress off the frame by using multiple jack stands along the frame rail. people weld them on every day without doing that, but if im going to weld it im going to do it right. if done properly the bars can strengthen your frame. if done improperly, they can weaken it worse than drilling a few holes can.

IMO... You would do more damage to the frame by welding on it. Drill and bolt on if possible.

-- JimG

Hi Nathan,

I was never sure why, but I have always been told not to weld on the frame. I thought it had something to do with it being hardened steel and the heat would jeopardize it's integrity. Maybe someone like you can do it without damage, but the average hobby welder could not.

JimG

hi jim, the trouble with welding to the frame is failing to relieve the lateral stress first. by properly bracing the entire length of the frame first you dont have to worry about bending in the HAZ from the lateral stress of the weight of the jeep.

For what it's worth ... convertible unibodies can be stiffened up by "welding in" a "frame".

Umm, why would you weld something on you are going to bend????

Same reason roll cages aren't bolted together?

Very difficult to bend (at least mine are), dent, scratch... yes. I'm pretty sure they would support the whole Jeep. They keep my rocker panels off rocks and trees... a requirement if you care anything about the body (and that your doors seal up and fit right). The newer sliders are as effective and don't stick out like nerfs.

-- JimG