Has Anyone Removed This?

Has anyone removed the spare tire bracing? Does this bracing provide structural integrity to the frame itself, or is it only for the spare tire?

I'm looking to remove this and install a storage box in its place. (Spare tire is now mounted in swinging bar on bumper.)

 

The way this part is designed leads me to believe that it's structural. If its only purpose is to hold the spare tire, the part could be made much simpler and cheaper.

 

I wouldn't do anything to make the rear end even more jiggly, myself

 

Yep it's structural. It ties the leaf shackle hangers together, as well as the driver's side shock mount. Otherwise there'd be nothing holding the frame rails together aft of the fuel tank. (The tow hitch mounting plates aren't stiff side-to-side.)

 

A box for hiding contraband?

 

Wow, now our trucks have turned as bad as "can I take this wall down or is it load bearing"

 

Cant you tell on your own it is structural? What else is there between the frame rails near there? Nothing

 

@Tachord you can still remove the X-brace and bolt in a storage box. The box just needs to be strong enough to take the structural loads.

And unlike a house, you can remove the X-brace while the truck is on the ground or on a lift without the frame collapsing in on itself. Just shouldn't drive with it vacant.

 

Yup, I plan to cut mine out and make a couple new crossmembers in place/plate the frame/make storage through the bed there aswell.

 

I saw some guys do this and it looked great.

 

I've done it with all my old crawlers, as toyotas crossmembers are thin and take up a lot of space. Even worse on these Tacomas since the frames aren't boxed in. Hence why people see an improvement ride quality wise when they do better shackle hangers w/a crossbar that connects them, as the frame isnt flexing as much

 

Post your work if you ever go this route. I’d love to see it.

 

That may be a good place for a Li battery set-up, ARB pump, etc.
Wish someone made a 2nd fuel tank to mount there. Filler-neck may be a problem.

 

https://youtu.be/CKOc6hXMDhc

 

What do you intend to carry under there?

 

Chocolate bars and gummy bears.

 

Dark? White? Milk?

 

Green?

 

If you don't want to fabricate one yourself. It is listed as a rear fuel tank but it is a box to hold a fuel tank with cross supports and frame box plates. tacoma rear gas tank kit – JD Fabrication