97-03 f150 crossmembers

when i first did mine i just took it off and cut the bottom so it would be even with the frame rails and just welded plate on it to box it in to reinforece it...it was very strong...thats what i would do if i were u

THATS WHAT I DID WITH MINE IN OTHER WORDS. JUST CUT ENOUGH OFF THE BOTTOM TO CLEAR AND THEN I TOOK A 2x4x1/4" BOX TUBE AND CUT IT LONG WAYS DOWN THE 2" SIDE. THIS MADE KINDA LIKE A C-CHANNEL TUBE. THE CROSS MEMBER FIT PERFECTLY INSIDE. I SAT IT INSIDE AND WELDED IT UP. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE A HOLE TO UNBOLT THE TRANS IF YOU EVER GOTTA. HOPE THAT HELPS. JASON ACRO N.GA.