Product idea/brainstorm... taco tusks?

I've been struck by another idea, perhaps a dumb one but I thought I'd share.

So 3rd gens (and 2nd gens I'm pretty sure) come with these frame crossmember extensions, ostensibly to protect various suspension bits from damage:


They're bolted in, and pretty easy to access.

Would there be any point in making them:

• bigger for greater coverage of delicate components?
• Angled backwards/angled forwards or up/down?
  
• with integrated recovery points/shackle mounts?
• Angled forward as a part of sturdy bull-bar type light mount? (hence the tusk name because that's what it would probably look like...)

 

No sure why it sticks out, I prefer it much shorter where it sits inside. The more clearance the better in my opinion.

I would like to take it out, but I feel that square tube reinforces the center bar. Without it, the center bar will be hollow and can be easily collapsed.

I have seen some armor bumpers and even front skids reference this bolt area as a mounting point. Just keep that in mind.

But I like where this is heading! Keep it up.

 

I just cut mine down bent them up and re-welded them shorter..

 

I don't think that part of the frame is very strong. When I removed mine, I remember it being pretty thin.

 

I could be wrong, but doesn't that part have something to do with the air bag sensors? I think if it gets crushed in it sets off the sensor.

 

Ummmm.....no.

 

Looks like it's extended just to protect suspension components from direct impact, I'd imagine they'd try to deny insurance/warranty work if anything were to happen to the suspension.

 

This is off subject, but what's the red thing in your pic? Tow hook or shackle? I bet it looks pretty badass