The stock Tracker ZR2 transfer case skid plate mounted similarly, anchoring on that tubed cross member.  My transfer case crossmember has the flange on the crossmember with the two nuts welded to it (even though my truck is not a ZR2 model) for mounting a factory type skid.  Your skid appears to be wider than the factory ZR2 skid and should provide you better coverage for your transfer case crossmember.  In addition to more protection, attaching it to the tubed cross member should strengthen/provide more support to your transfer case crossmember.

I've noted many of the 2000+ year model GM "Jimmys" had aluminum front and molded belly skid plates on them that were surprisingly beefy in thickness (about 1/4"), even on models that were not ZR2 models.  Not all of them came equipped with these though and I am not at all sure which models did or did not.

Hi all.

Been having similar troubles down here with the cross member. Bet the thing badly doing some rocky tracks. Notice the slight banana curve in it....not good.



The design ive settled on is a bolt on skid plate that bolts through the gearbox cross member and clamps to the tube chasis brace.  Its very simple and quite effective.  All it requires is a hole drilled through top of cross member.

here is the un-finished prototype....

That is very similar to what I use on my Tracker.  I have mine bent up on sides for strength, and welded it into the center section.  Still use the bolt through.

I have bowed my 3/16" pans sliding over some very solid rocks.

I'm building mine out of the two wing extensions off of an old FJ60 winch bumper.  They are very heavy as well, at least 3/16" if not 1/4" channeled and the ends are curved slightly which would facilitate sliding over crap versus digging in.  I like your idea for posting to the rear cross over. 

Initially I was just going to weld an extension plate up to the crossmember and sandwich it to the crossover with a suitable muffler clamp.  Your skid has given me another "more better" idea for it.  Thanks much.

To hold the back of my front section, and the front of the back section I welded a couple of small plates onto the crossmember at the bellhousing.  I welded nuts to the skidpan and bolted through the plate into the skidpan.

I have the same thing going forward for the back of front skidpan.  The front overlaps the back.  These small plates just hold it up and in place, as all the force will be pushing it up into the crossmember.

Good ideas, thank you.