Hey Jim;
Moving back to Idaho. About a long day's drive from where we are now in Bishop, CA. Gone full circle now. Started out in Boise, up to Salmon, ID, over to Newport Me, down to Bishop and now back to Boise. Had nothing better to do (yeah, right!).
One other idea on the new cross member install; I bought the same Goodall Fabrication cross member. When you look at the weld locations of the original cross member, there is not a lot of extra steel to weld to. I plan on trying to "surgically" cut the welds and grind off the excess. Also, I plan on leaving the front bumper on which, in combination with the tubular motor mount, should keep the frame horns in position when you remove the front cross member. Not to take away what Paul said though, It's not a bad idea to tack weld in 1" square stock between the frame horns as extra insurance.
Ron Lane, Meridian, ID