Mud-club
Vehicle & Technical => Defender => Topic started by: davidlandy on November 25, 2006, 21:42:44
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Dear All
I have had my beloved rear Xmember twisted whilst people were trying to recover me from a little hole i got stuck in at Whaddon.
it twisted by the towing eye
the question is what do you recommend to beef it up so it dont bend again - Im thinkin that i need to transfer some of the strain down the chassis rails.
Mikee, Porny - u guys will have some ideas I'm sure?
thanks
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if was me id b thinking of replacing the crossmember now, i fitted a rear winch tray into mine beefed it up alot and also got a nice tidy rear now as the huskey is in the floor
it makes a good place for storage aswel until you get a winch :lol:
have a look in me photo galleries dave for the pictures of the build
danny
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What about JATE rings on the rear chassis rails? That will remove the strain from the eyes on the cross member. Link up a bridle between the 2 rings and hey presto.....
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What tow hitch are you running??
Bolted straight to the crossmember or with spreader plates??
Ian
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its bolted straight to the rear Xmember with a spreader on the back
you can make it out on here
http://members.mud-club.com/profiles/davidlandy/gallery/loddington070506/6/e039456302c2d37e48b4cb361a09baee.JPG/
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I know what the problem is.....
You need more suspension travel - get some dislocation cones!! :wink:
http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=2690&st=0 - have quick read here.
You might need a spacer plate both side of the rear cross member to prevent/reduce any twisting.
I'm sure it Marshland used to do a bolt on reinforcement plate for the rear cross member, but they don't seem to be around anymore (and not marsland who make the chassis) - well I can't find them on the net.
The other option would be some form of custom reinforcement with two diagonals off the back of the tow hitch mounts - to a point further down the chassis - the only problem would be routing it around your exhaust.
Ian
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cones- CONES - dont start me off on that one! lol
had a peek on there and nothing really looks to be what im looking for
gonna take my own route i think - lets see what happens!
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Personally for the hassle of chopping off and replacing I'd just straighten and strengthen it with some nice 6mm plate. Do front and rear and if you can sleeve the holes for the bolts you'd be sorted.
When I had a cross member (gone now with the tray back...) I welded in some diag bits so when pulling the strain was shared down the rails, not taken all by the x-member. Worked a treat mate and belive me did we pull on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:
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I have done this aswell, funny enough, getting recoverd form a wee hole at whaddon, someone in a mud plugging V8 rangie had me on the end of a kinetic rope, and although adventually i came out of the hole, my crossmember payed the price...
CHeers
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land rover do a geniune part- spreader plate for 90 x member- i have one- fits both sides.
mark of disco parts can get - not expensive
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you got a pic of it , or could you describe it to me pls
??
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you got a pic of it , or could you describe it to me pls
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It's flat with holes in.... :wink:
One for the front of the crossmember, one for the back.... actually with a normal tow hitch I think it's just a spreader plate on the back.
Still not the best for heavy recoveries though...
I'd be tempted to have a word with Chris at Exact - I'm sure he could sort you out with a suitable mount, probably triangulated onto the chassis.
Ian
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If you want serious recovery, it must be welded. LR genuine parts is just bolt on.
I agree, Chris at Exact is a pro welder/roll cage man.
I think you can do it yourself with common sense and a good welder. If your not sure, ring Chris at Exact Fabrication and get a quote. he's cheaper than you think (well, my use of him anyway)
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I'm sure it Marshland used to do a bolt on reinforcement plate for the rear cross member, but they don't seem to be around anymore (and not marsland who make the chassis) - well I can't find them on the net.
The other option would be some form of custom reinforcement with two diagonals off the back of the tow hitch mounts - to a point further down the chassis - the only problem would be routing it around your exhaust.
Ian
I'd say the same. I have a Southdown now but I keep meaning to drill the extra set of holes for the same reason.
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well its done
its 6mm thick plate behind the Xmember between the chassis rails the full depth of the member and connected to the rails on both ends, then it goes under the member and onto the outside of it. All seam welded
should take a bit to bend it !
:wink:
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well its done
its 6mm thick plate behind the Xmember between the chassis rails the full depth of the member and connected to the rails on both ends, then it goes under the member and onto the outside of it. All seam welded
should take a bit to bend it !
:wink:
Got any pics Dave ?
Jim
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will do some today whilst its all shiny from the fresh coat of coloured rust protector (paint)