This might seem like a silly question but bear with me. Exactly what is the function of the front crossmember (the one below the cats)? It seems like the frame is built super solid at either end and in the middle below the TC there is another crossmember so what does this one do?

I ask because I had removed it to drop my oil pan and am considering not putting it back on right away if it doesn't serve much of a purpose. The reason for this is it took a LONG time to get it off due to pesky rusted bolts and the fact you have to be at a stupid angle with debris falling all over your face to even attempt it (without a lift).

 

Leave it off and you will twist your frame plane and simple.

 

The one below the prop shaft does little to nothing, it'll make no difference if you take it off. The tiny bolts that hold it on are a dead giveaway.

 

From another long thread about this exact thing:

 

Do your self a favor, I don't care if all the Rover folks in the UK are stupid, leave it attached, especially if you do any serious wheeling.

 

Thats funny. I went and got stainless steel real bolts and use an air ratchet now. It comes off easily now. I will admit the 1st time you take it off its a bitch. If you replace the bolts and lube them and torque them back its not bad at all remove again. After wheeling in Colorado and being high centered and having only 2 wheels touching the ground. I see why you want all the rigidity in the frame you can get.

 

As a fan of redundancy. I say keep it. as Bogg says replace the bolts. Engineers and the bean counters hate one another. If it is there off the factory line it is due to the engineers winning the battle. Keep it. if it does nothing who cares. If it does 1 little thing and it is not there what are the costs a that moment. Mine was off when I first bought it. I got it from the PO. I put it back on. The front end felt smoother. thats my 3 cents.

 

Yeah, I think of it like a can with the end cut off. That flimsy piece of aluminum does a lot for the rigidity of the can.

But the whole "small bolts means it's not important" idea is pretty interesting. I can certainly see the logic that it isn't doing much when the Rover is being used strictly on-road.

 

It isn't the end, that's the thing, there is a HUGE super solid piece on the end (under the radiator) vs this 1 inch square tubing with 10mm bolts that are bolted to a PLATE on the frame...not even directly to it.

It'll go back on eventually I just wanted to be able to road drive a little bit in the mean time. The story of why I had it off to begin with to come.

 

size?