Fixing dreaded Body Lift mounts?

So the original owner of my truck installed a body lift. I believe its 3". If I'd known anything about lift before I bought it I probably would have passed on the deal. In any case, its my problem now.

After taking it in to my trusty mechanic about mysterious clunks, groans and squeaks when going over bumps he informed me all the mounts where the body lift attaches are rusting through and cracking. Even so bad that a couple of the bolts are now at a slight angle and my cab has shifted forward slightly. He referred me to a body shop who quoted me $1200 bucks to weld on steel reinforcement plates to the body.

I'm not very inclined with the wrench or welding, so I don't want to do this myself. Chatted with my buddy about it who works on cars and likes to weld & work with metal mods on cars and he doesn’t even want to touch it. Told me I'd be better off taking it to the body shop. Research has proven this to be a real common problem, with everyone hating on body lift, for good reason. Some people are saying just take the body lift off and install suspension lift.

My concern is now that its gotten so bad it seems that steel reinforcement plates are going to be needed on there anyway even if I were to take off the body lift. So is there really much point in throwing a ton of extra cash at it for a suspension lift right now? I would like to get this problem fixed without breaking the bank, but I am willing to spend a little more for a better solution if its worthwhile. I realize its a potential saftey hazard since my cab is no longer securely mounted on the frame I do like to wheel, but I've been goin easy on her since I found out about this problem so I don't make it too much worse. Don't wanna wind up busting through the mounts all together, lol.

Does 1200 seem like a reasonable price to fix this problem or should I get a second opinion? Any other suggestions or ideas I'm not considering?

 

I remember ...many many years ago (like around 2001 or so) - we (local club) used to install body lifts. We'd always recommend people get 1/4" thick steal plates about 4x4" in size and we'd mount them in-between the cab & body puck for that exact reason. The cab just can't take all that pressure in one spot (puck).

Yea...that's not a pretty situation to be in. You'll be lucky if the mounting points in the frame are still OK.....

I'd definitely get a 2nd opinion - not only for pricing, but maybe another shop has a different idea/approach. But, you'll probably need welding involved to fix it right.

 

I bet an offroad fab shop would weld in some reinforcement for a bunch cheaper then a mechanic or body shop. Maybe some Oregon guys can chime in...

 

I know I've seen on Jerrys truck (BAMF) he redid the front body mounts where the radiator support connects to the frame with some 3/16 steel or something. IMO an offroad fab type place should be able to help you out.

 

An offroad fab shop sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the replies. I'll call around and see what I can find. If anyone knows a good fab shop in the Eugene Oregon area let me know

 

Going for the cheapest alternative ain't always the best alternative for something as important as this...I would avoid value engineering, and try to find the guys who can ensure the best job, regardless of price...

 

Dont know if they are still in business, but Archer Brothers 4 wheel drive parts off W 11th might be able to help you out. Try giving them a call.