I got started on disassembling my front clip tonight for some rust repairs and fender trimming, and in keeping with this truck's track record, I've found that the bottom of the radiator support where it ties into the bodymounts is severely rusted. It's bad enough that I'm surprised the rad support didn't break way back when I broke one of the lower cup-thingys under the bodymount bolt (due to rust - can you see the theme here??? /forums/images/graemlins/doah.gif).
Anyhoo, I got to thinking that instead of finding a rust-free rad support locally (fat chance...) or buying a new one (too much $$$), I could cut out the rusted bottom channel of my existing support and replace it with 2x3 tube. BUT, rather than keep the same 2-point front bodymount setup, I'd add another 2x3 tube crossmember between the framerails, under the rad support, and use a single,standard bodymount bushing in the center. This would (in my mind, anyway) allow for a bit more axial flex between the front of the frame and body, without causing excessive stress on the rest of the bodymounts. Plus, the added frame crossmember would end up right between the front spring hangers, adding some strength and lateral stability to the frame in this area.
So what do you think? Am I setting myself up for a failure somewhere else, or might this actually be a decent idea? Keep in mind that I have to re-do all the other bodymounts too, due to (care to guess?) rust damage...
Anyhoo, I got to thinking that instead of finding a rust-free rad support locally (fat chance...) or buying a new one (too much $$$), I could cut out the rusted bottom channel of my existing support and replace it with 2x3 tube. BUT, rather than keep the same 2-point front bodymount setup, I'd add another 2x3 tube crossmember between the framerails, under the rad support, and use a single,standard bodymount bushing in the center. This would (in my mind, anyway) allow for a bit more axial flex between the front of the frame and body, without causing excessive stress on the rest of the bodymounts. Plus, the added frame crossmember would end up right between the front spring hangers, adding some strength and lateral stability to the frame in this area.
So what do you think? Am I setting myself up for a failure somewhere else, or might this actually be a decent idea? Keep in mind that I have to re-do all the other bodymounts too, due to (care to guess?) rust damage...
