Yes, I removed the top. I actually built the cross member using 2 cross members and welding them together and then modifying them accordingly. I didn't worry too much about the top of the cross member since the bottom is twice as strong as original.
That's a nice Cross member setup and good idea too! Yea I just worried about that top part of the cross member messing up something if I took it completely out but if it worked out for you im gonna definetly re-modify mine.! I didn't have pics to go by when I was doing my setup so thanks for showing your pics :thumleft::thumleft: