Calmini didn't send instructions for installing my winch bumper. Got the thing installed anyway, but us automotive neophytes didn't feal comfortable unbolting the parts of the frame where the L brackets attach--looked as if that would cause the truck to collapse onto itself. Long story short, the skid plate is not on it right now.

Is that a safe set of bolts to remove, or does the truck need to be supported on a lift or something to install the front skid?

Before someone comments on it, I do indeed know how to spell the word "feel."

Yes it's perfectly safe to remove those bolts to install the L brackets. You can in fact pull all 4 out and the truck will not move. I did this a couple weekends ago when I had to have a new crossemember made.

Here's the old one.



Here's the new one.



Long story short the "posts" that the crossmember bolts to is welded to the frame. The crossmember is there to add support and keep the lower control arms from coming together. The truck won't fall but I wouldn't go driving around without it in there.

Thanks!! I figured better safe than sorry

Here is a link that answers the age-old question "How many dot com employees does it take to install a 175 pound after market bumper for a 2000 Xterra?"

http://www.grazeland.com/xterra/pics/bumper