Re:Re:Is the front cross-member really needed?

The short answer is that no one on this forum is likely to have the data required to provide real insight regarding the question.

I did see early in the advertising for the Gen 4 that Suzuki provided an image of FEA model results with the cross-member in place. Without an equivalent image of FEA results with the cross-member omitted, (along with actually being able to see the resulting stresses) it's impossible to determine the benefits of the cross-member. I would highly doubt that Suzuki would add additional structure without benefit but (repeating) there is no way we can know how much benefit it is.

As a side note, I would hesitate adding a notch (or buying a support with one in it) since that would create a stress concentration. If you were really determined to add clearance, it would be better to provide a long taper to the point you want to clear the prop.

As above, the chassis will have been designed using a computer, unlike in the days of the Land Rover Defender when everything was over engineered.

So that crossmember will have an important part to play, despite looking like it doesn't do very much.

I'm not sure where I read it but one of the big suspension companies makes a new cross member or "Xmember" as I recall. Surely this would be a better way to go if you're having clearance issues with larger lifts. Chris