So the previous owner to my 4runner apparently had a run in with a tree and caused some front end damage including the front crossmember. Does anybody recommend heating it up real good and trying to bend it back in place, or should I just cut it out and replace it with a new peice of metal. Also does anybody know the distance between the framerails in the front? I'd like to know how far its off if at all. Thanks!

 

heating it up real good and bending it will likely not be best...

If I were you I would heat it up like you said, bend it, and then weld a good size (1.5"x1.5"x3/16") piece of angle iron to one of the corners...

that is if you can get the bend out relatively well...

otherwise just cut it out, bend the frame back to where it should be (no idea how to do) and weld a new 2"x3"x.125 piece of rectangular tube in its place

 

thinking about it more... I would do the last option... new tube

 

well easyest way would be to heat it up and put a comealong on it and slowy put on it with heat. the weld a support bar on the top and bottom but you after you get it bent back heat it back up and let it recool

 

When I did that to my old Dodge D-50 I yanked it out (somewhat) with a chain wrapped around a tree & the other end around the frame, then just back up & take the slack out.

You can take a come along or chain hoist & do it with heat too.

I wouldn't recommend either option though, if you can cut & weld, cut it out & replace it; if not take it to a body shop.

 

I would try to cut it out and replace it with a donor piece from another frame...How is your alignment? Seems like it would be tweaked...

But if you go the heat it up and straighten it out route I would recommend this Frame Brace Kit from Front Range Off road.
For $39 plus shipping it seems like it would be a good option to help give you back some rigidity to your frame
Edit: it might not be a bad idea which ever route you go...

 

Cut and weld. Other wise it will always be out of wack

 

I'm not too worried about steering and perfect alignment. It drives down the highway at 75 very smoothly and i've put about 5,000 miles on a brand new set of mt's with no signs of abnormal wear. My main concern is once I build my bumper and get a winch on her, if it will hold up to the stress of winching. I think i'm leaning towards heating and straitening and then beef it up with some angle iron.