Protection vs Performance

[evldave]

ok, got a question for all you experts (and wannabes). I'm a cheap-ass, and prefer to make stuff myself.

I'm not using a pan.
I'm not likely to rock crawl to the extent I need to worry about regular beatings on the undercarraige.
I like to run things over in the woods, and have dented the oil pan on every truck I've ever owned, hence the need for some sort of protection just in case.

I'm thinking of taking 3/8" x 1" flat bar, running it front to back. Support it with 3/8" x 1" flat bar across every 6-12" from frame rail to frame rail. I'd run it the same length as the current factory UCP.

This strikes me as a balance between protection and clearance. It would have more clearance than the factory UCP (3/4" vs 1-1/2"), be a lot cheaper (about $30 total + my time cutting and welding), and should be just as strong.

Thoughts?