yeah, i'd stay away from the diamond plate too. 3/16" thick mild steel should be plenty strong enough (our frames aren't even anywhere close to that thick). i would not go to 1/4" for anything other than suspension bracketry, engine mounts, that sorta thing, something that takes a VERY high stress load. otherwise, it's just extra weight. the 1/8" will work for most situations, but if you're sitting there, pivoting on a rock with all the weight of the vehicle, it might bend just a hair. multiple bashings could booger it up good.

95 Sportage w/welded and 5.89 geared dana 44's on 38.5" TSL's.- SADLY SOLD
CURRENTLY - 2000 sportage, 5.38 gears, welded diffs, 35" tires, 5.5" lift

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/341410