Rear Frame "triangle"

Hello all.

Doing a little rust chasing on the frame of my '73. I'm curious, what is the horizontal metal triangle attached outboard of the drivers side rear of the frame rail between the rail and the rear crossmember/bumper? What is it for? Why only on the left?

Thanks

 

Part of the draw bar. Jeep calls it a "bumper support." Presumably it acts as a gusset to make the rear of the frame stronger to lateral force from the draw bar and pintle hook.

 

So, if removing the draw bar (holy ugly!), no real purpose? Odd that it's only on one side.

 

Yes, pretty much. But the draw bar is a very useful accessory. I would take it if you don't want it, but you're too far away.

Why only one side? Because on the right it would interfere with the fuel filler, I presume. And one side is sufficient.

 

That is funny as I was wondering this very same thing just days ago .
As I am build my 5 for street / beach use , and I plan on towing my Boston Whaler ( 13") I am adding a gusset to the passenger side as well . I will be use a custom fuel tank and a custom tow hitch . So the filler neck is not an issue for me . But should make the rear hitch I make and add much stronger and safer .
Just my two cents .

 

I feel like the filler neck/hose sit above where the passenger gusset would be if there were one, as it sits above the frame rail. I don't plan on removing it, since it isn't hurting anything and I may want it down the road.

 

So I removed the rear support on my 62 cj to install a rear mount gas tank, any idea on hitches that could fit a C channel rear bumper. My old bumper was so rusted that I had to replace it and the 4 in C channel steel is a great bumper replacement but need a hitch.