Beefing up a first gen frame

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Searched around for some answers on this as well, but wanted to get a few fresh ones.

Have the new frame in prep, and wanted to get some opinions on beefing it up as I start the restoration. New Explorer 8.8 and D35 are being used on it, so I have the opportunity to set everyrhing up from scratch.

So far I've left all of the mount points from the Explorer on the rear axle. Was thinking about using its leaf spring perches for track bar mounts, etc.

Other than moving both shocks to the rear of the axle, are there any other places I should look at reinforcing?

The 1994 I cut up had a 3/8 thick piece of C channel (6" wide and 1.5 "tall) mounted between the frame rails by the fuel tank, so planned on keeping that one as an additional crossmember. Also cut and removed the front angled crossmember that protects the steering box.

Other than those two, any other crossmember, supports, reinforcements that ya'll would recommend? Don't know all the future plans for on or off road, but would like to future proof this as much as possible while it's easy.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I would be looking @BlackBII build thread...

putting in a rear fuel tank and ladder bar... nice stuff

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

weld washers on all suspension pivots would be a good task so that, if you do go offroad, the bolts wont oval the holes on shock mounts, suspension pivot points, and leaf springs.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Make sure the frame you are starting with is true. IE; not tweaked or racked or twisted.
You could box the frame between front and rear suspension points, or a full cage in the future will do the same strengthening.