SHE'S Ripping apart!!!!!!! (Click bait, I knew it was coming)

Preliminary.

 

Run that plate all the way to the base of the rad support, then across the front of rad support. essentially build a box for the the radiator mounts and tie it to the support bushings.

 

Finally had to do something about mine. It was pretty bad. Did all this work and then found that it is torn at the top too where it meets the very top bar. I’m sure this will hold up ok but I’m just waiting to see where it transfers the stress to later on.

 

Trying to come up with preemptive fixes for when I cut the openings for the intercooler.

Think welding in a section of 3.5” or 4” exhaust tubing as a window for the plumbing to pass through would reinforce the opening?

 

That would absolutely work. Just needs to be a short enough cut, not to interfere with hose clamps and the couplings.

 

Wow.

 

BUMP, just discovered this crack and then this thread. I'm an overload...er overlander, thought I was wheeling mild. Not sure how I'm going to go about mending this.

 

Depends on how much resourcefulness or money you want to use.

 

Why does your core support have herpes?

 

I found an aftermarket replacement for that panel for $55, can't imagine it's an easy job to swap though.
https://www.partsgeek.com/gbproduct...UQ0xAimfjvU5xho7SNyRtGO6ET0GB_JgaAoQDEALw_wcB

 

You can get the whole core support for not a whole lot more

 

Does it bolt in or is it welded/bonded?

 

I can't find any complete core support assemblies for 3rd gen, only parts and pieces.

 

If you have the JD Fab inner fenders it bolts on. When you drill out the spot welds for the original on you could either weld it again or bolt it on.

 

You got the JD fab pans?

 

of course i do. just a few more parts to collect and it'll be rebuild time on the ol' girl

 

That's legit.

Just what I need, more weight.

 

Well Mine is getting a healthy dose of weight redistribution as well as some reduction to account for the added weight of the good parts going on.

 

GD this 16 gage is easy to burn through. I've noticed that almost every truck this is happening to has the Energy Suspensions poly bushings, including mine. I think there's a pattern there. After my SEMA show quality welding job I'm switching back to rubber bushings.

 

Mine started happening before the poly bushings but yes the rubber will help to not allow as much stress to the body.