2nd gen 4Runner. Plan on building something like this. WHat material thickness should I go for on the square tube? I don't want to go overboard on the thickness as it isn't going to see hard offroad use, just trails with some rocky bits. Nothing I can't get through with a gentle right, rear locker and stock gears.

The plate is going to be 3/16"

 

At least .120", but you don't need any bigger than .188".

That said - the pictures are either a Tacoma or 3rd gen 4Runner - the frame is different - no bolt holes for the factory crossmember, which is right in that area.

Something like a budbuilt crossmember would do 90% of what this contraption does, but a lot simpler

 

thats nice looking id like to make something like that

 

Or if you can find a deal on a Trail Gear dual case crossmember, you can modify that to work with a single case

 

Yeah, I know the frame is quite a bit different, but the concept would remain the same- a subframe for the skid instead of formed/bent single plate supporting itself. Our second gens also have the the brake lines running along the middle (looking at it from the side) of the passenger frame rail and our stock xmember is straight across the bottom as opposed to inflected upwards in the middle.

The Budbuild/ TG x-member would be great, but I can't afford to drop $250 Canuck bucks into this, I think I can do this version for about $75 all in for materials and beer for the welder.

 

Dang wish I could see the pics, stupid work computers...

 

.120 wall would be plenty and cheap. I bought like an 6' stick of 2x4x.120" to build my cross member that also sports my 3links for the front end. I just cut and welded the factory transfer case skid to the cross member for now...

 

really hey? hmm..

 

That looks awesome! Are there any write-ups on how to make these? Anyone know a parts list? Size/type of bolts and fab techniques?

 

Nice Matt!!