Front crossmember advice?

A little backstory... the previous owner of my truck swapped out a tube bumper and put a stock bumper back on the front. There was no front skid plate when I bought it, but I pretty quickly purchased one of those nice stainless steel skids that 22rethan sells on here. When I went to bolt it on, there was nothing to bolt to in the front! The cross member is gone. My guess is that the old tube bumper bolted in to the frame horns and filled that space.

I thought I would easily find a used one, but that hasn't been the case.

Where I need advice -
I'm wondering if I should buy a new OEM part?
Or.
Should I try to have one fabricated?

Picture attached for reference.
Thanks for the help!

 

I just took mine off, but I plan to cut it up and modify it.

If you're not too bad with your fabrication skills, I've seen some people use a section of C channel, some cutting and welding and you're all set. That would be stronger than stock anyway.

I think there are a few ideas for a DIY one in here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...morning-what-do-ya-think.297648/#post-7533679

EDIT: sorry that wasn't a very good thread so link to, I'll try and find a better one... I know I saw one where a guy just used some C channel and bolted it in place of the factory cross member.

 

I have one for sale on my part out thread

 

I think I skipped over that because my truck is a 97 and yours is an 01. Is that part the same on those years? I think the 98-00 are different IIRC.

 

oh that I don't know I didn't pay attention to what year your truck was sorry! if it does work I have one lol

 

Maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in if this part works from 01 to 97?

 

I can send you measurements when I get back home Friday if you would like

 

need more info first. V6 or I4? manual or auto?

you can lookup some part numbers here by switching vehicles

https://www.toyodiy.com/parts/q.html

 

frizzman. Thanks for helping.
Mine is a 97, 4x4, 5 speed, v6, ext cab.

I believe that Shapagna's is an 01, 4x4, auto, v6, ext cab.

The part numbers are different from those years mine is 51021-25030. The 01 is 51021-35060.

 

If you got a welder and a grinder, it's not to hard to fab one up. Just some 2" square tube.

This eventually became my tube bumper but that would be all you need.

 

Seems pretty straight forward. I could proably track down a welder to use.
Did you just tap holes for the skid plate attachment?
And you attached it to the frame at the tow hook bolt holes? Did you through bolt it with the hooks?

 

Went to tractor supply and bought longer bolts that match the same tread ptich and diameter and are longer by the same width of the tube you use. Also got 3/8 self taping bolts to mount the skid plate with. Super simple