A closure member for applying a closure motion to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In at least one form, the closure member comprises a closure body that defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The closure body further defines an upper portion that comprises an upper wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces and a lower portion that comprises a lower wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces. The upper wall thickness differs from the lower wall thickness. A cam surface is formed on the upper portion for selective camming contact with a portion of the movable jaw.
