Im looking into doing this soon as im going 8lug FW and figured the massive extra weight would really justify some unibody beef. So what size plate are you all using? 1/4? 3/8? im not really worried about the extra weight, but i am worried that overkill on the plate might cause premature stress on the parts of the unibody rails NOT sleeved. i was going to radius the edges and all, but i thought if it was TOO stiff, it might further aggravate the cracking.
Right now, ive got c4x4 rockers, some SB braces, and good bumpers f+r...i was thinking about maybe just ponying up for a set of those DetoursUSA frame stiffeners, since im not too handy with a welder, but i really think id rather build my own, right? How are you attaching them to the sheetmetal, stitch and plug welds? I remember a while ago theOwl got flamed for his bad welds and his idea of through-bolting the c-channel. is that a bad practice? A typical 220 mig is up to the job, right?
I also want to throw in a cage, and since i dont have a bender, i was looking at D&C's new cage. for 350 or so, it seems nice and stout. plus its a great way to tie it all together. cheaper than buying a bender and making my own as well...
FWIW, ive searched plenty, but this seemed like a good thread to hijack...thanks for any help.
-Bennett