I've given this some thought and really haven't come up with any solid ideas. I started to build this abortion (pictured below) years ago but never finished it. After researching several traction bar ideas I think I've come up with something that will work.





Previous idea aborted and headed for the scrap pile.



Bare naked axle, checkout the axle truss sitting on the ground waiting for install.



Bent out some 1.75" tube for my cross-member.



Notched the ends for my bushings.









Added a lower rail and some lower arms for extra support and strength. The lower rail doesn't go all the way across giving the muffler the room it needs.



The lower arms will keep the cross-member from twisting under torque.



Now to triangulate those lower arms. I had to double notch each end of the pipe.



Jeez...that frosty beer sure looks good don't it?





Test fit...there's only a 1/4" clearance between the cross-member and the transfer case. I'm going to have to modify that cross-member for extra clearance.



I decided to notch the cross-member for extra clearance. For the notch I cut up some 3" diameter pipe I have in my scrap pile.



Then using the drill press and a 3" hole saw I notched the cross-member.





Shaved the 3" pipe down to make this steel saddle.



Next I welded the saddle into the cross-member.



With the steel saddle welded in place I needed to strengthen the cross-member. Removing that much material from the top tube I'm sure it would have cracked.



So I cut out some steel plates, one for each side.



With all the pieces welded together this thing is solid!



 I now have tons of room with the notch in place!



Next, I welded a Johnny Joint to the cross-member. This will be the anchoring point for my traction bar.



Here's my gusset to give that Johnny Joint some strength.







Cross-member done...just needs paint.

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