Crossmember rotted off frame

[Camo Ranger]

Hey everyone,

Doing some work underneath the ranger the other day when I happened to look up and notice that the crossmember running underneath the front of the bed has rotted completely off the frame on one side. The other side isn't much better and looks as if its about to go as well.

Now I'm not much of a welder and, as so, wouldn't trust myself or anyone else that I'm friends with to fabricate a new crossmember. Searching online I came across this site which offers bolt-in crossmembers:

http://rangerframefix.com/

So I guess my questions are as follows:
1. Has anyone ever purchased anything off this site who could attest to a) this being a legitimate website and b) the quality of the products sold?
2. Does a bolt-in crossmember even sound like a good idea? In other words, will it be as strong as one that was welded in?
3. Any alternative ideas?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Heavyfire14]

bolt on is good as long as you dont do any SERIOUS off roading

 

[Sunk]

I don't know anything about the website, but it's cool they sell 6 to 7 ft bed conversion parts...

If you use grade 8 bolts, I'd think that should be fine.

 

[bobbywalter]

pretty sure you can get the conversion parts at the dealer.

why not grab a piece of channel at the scrapyard and make one?

 

[jeffw920]

i would think bolting it in would be fine since im pretty sure all the cross members are held in using rivets from the factory

 

[bobbywalter]

making and bolting in a crossmember is the best way to do it for most.

 

[AllanD]

i would think bolting it in would be fine since im pretty sure all the cross members are held in using rivets from the factory

I have systematically been replacing rivets with 1/2" dia bolts in reamed to fit holes on my truck for years.

a bolt is harder and stronger than a mild steel rivet.

AD

 

[mp3deviant721]

Use grade 8 bolts and you should be fine.

 

[Camo Ranger]

Thanks everyone, good to know that I should be fine bolting on a new crossmember. Has anyone out there even heard of this website before or knows anything about who's fabricating these parts?