So the concern is that if I cut the frame cross members, the leaf springs will cause the frame rails to shift? Got that right?

So normally I do everything myself, besides welding. Hence a 4x4 fab shop will take this on. I was just hoping to see more info to maybe even send to the shop.

What I see is the gas tank bolts to two cross members. The rear one is pretty large and looks as if its the one that holds the frame together. The front one is wimpy in comparison and looks to only exist to hold the gas tank, not provide any support. Plus that one is so rusted out (I dont know how the tank still stays up) that the frame would have shifted already had it relied on the cross member for suport.

Best I got is cut out front cross member, move gas tank forward an inch and up three ish. Bolt the rear of tank to side rather than bottom of cross member. Then weld in a new tube as a front cross member.

No one else did this before? I refuse to believe everyone goes wheel in with the tank a foot bellow everything else. Thanks!