I've been MIA from club events/activities for quite awhile due to serious health issues, but I've been able to take a few family/solo trips.
Unfortunately, this week I was in southern CO and started hearing a noise. I finally tracked it down, and to my shock, realized that I had managed to tear the upper coil bucket and shock mounting plate completely off the supporting cross member in front, almost entirely off the frame itself, and in the process tore sections of the frame itself. The coil/shock mount tore the frame at the factory weld from front to back, and is beginning to tear apart the frame at the top inside corner near the mount.
I have contacted my insurance provider (St. Farm) and am waiting for a call back. I found a frame guy (A1 frame repair) willing to look at it, as well as an off road shop (coincidentally named A One Equipment). Most standard body shops (Quanz, Car Crafters, etc) don't want any part of it. I also have a call out to a certified mobile welder, and am waiting on a call back.
I figured I would post some pictures here and see if any of you have any thoughts on the repair, any references for a welder, or a reference to a frame repair shop you trust. Please chime in if you can help, thanks!
EDIT > For reference, this is a 2001 4Runner Sport Edition, fully built, rear suspension is OME 2861 coils, 80 series OE shocks, custom links upper/lower, custom panhard drop/lift brackets. I believe the contributing factors are the 4Runner being very heavy to begin with due to armor/mods, normally carrying a heavy load in the cargo area, in addition to stiff coils/shocks, and the weight of a CBI rear with tire swingout.
Unfortunately, this week I was in southern CO and started hearing a noise. I finally tracked it down, and to my shock, realized that I had managed to tear the upper coil bucket and shock mounting plate completely off the supporting cross member in front, almost entirely off the frame itself, and in the process tore sections of the frame itself. The coil/shock mount tore the frame at the factory weld from front to back, and is beginning to tear apart the frame at the top inside corner near the mount.
I have contacted my insurance provider (St. Farm) and am waiting for a call back. I found a frame guy (A1 frame repair) willing to look at it, as well as an off road shop (coincidentally named A One Equipment). Most standard body shops (Quanz, Car Crafters, etc) don't want any part of it. I also have a call out to a certified mobile welder, and am waiting on a call back.
I figured I would post some pictures here and see if any of you have any thoughts on the repair, any references for a welder, or a reference to a frame repair shop you trust. Please chime in if you can help, thanks!
EDIT > For reference, this is a 2001 4Runner Sport Edition, fully built, rear suspension is OME 2861 coils, 80 series OE shocks, custom links upper/lower, custom panhard drop/lift brackets. I believe the contributing factors are the 4Runner being very heavy to begin with due to armor/mods, normally carrying a heavy load in the cargo area, in addition to stiff coils/shocks, and the weight of a CBI rear with tire swingout.
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