Advice Needed: Rear Shock Support Repair

[TF88FJ62]

All,

The cross member that supports the rear shocks of my 1988 FJ62 rusted and/or just gave out. It was my daily driver and I’ve driven it for a week before discovering the problem. No tracking issues like others. Just a clunck sound on significant bumps. Regardless, I’m going to park her until I can fix it.

I’ve read numerous posts about solid DIY fixes. I do not have the skills, facilities, or equipment to make the repairs myself. That leaves a repair shop and I have little experience with this type of work. Questions:

Can any body shop handle this type of repair?

Any recommendations for a shop in the DC, VA, MD or PA area?

How much is the bill going to hurt?

What else should I consider or factor in?

Thanks for the advice and guidance.

 

[FJACS]

It’s very common. Print out some of the posts here about repairs. Go to a local garage and show them. It’s not a hard job....but what condition is the rest of the frame in?

Maybe try non-franchise muffler shop. They can usually weld and cut tubing...

 

[tmxmotorsports]

I am down in the obx Currituck Nc 2 miles south of the grave digger monster truck shop I am a welder fabricator I work out of my little shop also work for Dennis Anderson building pro mega trucks not sure how close you are to me but I am sure I can get it all fixed up. Have a talked to you before about doing sound deading in your rig before? Shot me a pm

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Not sure if a body shop would do that type of work a muffler shop doesn't use the same type of tubing that you would need to mount your shocks to.

 

[FJACS]

I was more meaning use the muffler shop to fit and weld. Not use muffler tubing...

But it sounds like you’ve got a good lead on getting it sorted.

 

[3_puppies]

it's OK to drive without shocks. all shocks are designed to do are to control the rebound and bounce of the leaf springs.

 

[OSS]

I drove my 60 without rear shocks for a month or so. No rear shocks at all (had fronts). Truck was empty. Driving around town, the car (for the first time ever) ran super smooth. I loved the feeling. Super plush. But when I'd hit a bump the recoil up would make the rear end pogo a bit. So I'd hit the bumps carefully. On the freeway it was kind of dangerous because the wheels could get in an occilating tail wags the dog situation on the expansion seams and at times it felt like the cruiser was gunna lose it. But I drove many miles on the freeway too. Kept the speed down and it was ok.

 

[TF88FJ62]

Found a great local place that handled the work. Thanks for the advice!!