I had to drop the two cross members this morning to remove my exhaust (installing long tubes) and upon finishing, the cross member under the transfer case went back in no problem. The one under the oil pan however has no chance of going back on, as the bolt holes are off by 1/4 inch or so. The truck hadn’t moved at all other than jacking up the motor a little.

I was trying to see if anyone else had this issue and didn’t find anything, but saw a handful of threads where people said they took it off for good on their truck. Is doing that a fringe thing not recommended? Or does the front crossmember not do much for structural integrity? I’ll add mine has a decent dent in it from wheeling, but it came off with zero issues at all. I have a parts truck and can just swap that one over, but since driveshaft contact is a known issue, if it’s not problematic to leave it off I’d rather just do that. Thanks

 

I had my front cross member off, and whenever I went over a large bump on the right rear tire, there would be this horrendous crunching noise. I put it back on and it stopped. I have no idea why or if the crossmember is related.

If it has a dent in it, that is probably what is keeping it from aligning properly. Maybe turn it the other direction or drive around a little and try again?

When installing it, thread the screw on one side in a few turns, then do the other side. If one side is too tight first, then other may not align.

 

It didn't fit regardless of orientation. I feel like I worded the post poorly, my concern was mainly should i be worried that after not moving at all, the frame settled so much that the bolts were out of wack. When I have time tomorrow i'm going to swap the one off my parts truck. It makes sense the dent would be the problem, but its relativley minor and it didnt feel like the bolts were binding when i took it off.

 

Eh I've had both of mine off a longg time and no issues that I know of in my case. Everything creaks and rattles on my car so your milage may vary.