Is This Safe? Installer Did a Surprise Body Mount Chop on 2012 4Runner

[DougD]

I'm hoping to get some advice from someone with experience in installing lifts, chopping body mounts, and making frame modifications.

I took my 2012 4Runner (SR5) to a local shop for a lift/level, new tires, wheels, shocks, etc. During the initial consultation, they said wheel spacers would not be required. While the installation was occurring, they called me and said the wheels were rubbing against the calipers and that we would need to install spacers to clear them. They agreed not to charge me for the spacers. Parts installed included:

- Pro Comp Series 97 steel wheels
- G2 wheel spacers
- Bilstein 46mm Monotube Shock Absorber
- Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorber
- BF Goodrich LT285/70R17, All-Terrain T/A KO2​

I returned to the shop at 5pm and was informed they were almost done with the installation. The Salesman said, “They just need to do some minor trimming and take it for a test drive.”

They were finished about an hour later and the Salesman walked me out to my vehicle. He said, “Now Doug, I need to let you know something. They had to do some minor trimming to keep the tires from rubbing. Most people wouldn't even know it was there but it's important that you know where it is.” He pointed to some trimming that was done behind the front bumper and then he pointed to the trimming done behind the front tire. He said, “They removed a very small amount of metal and then repainted it black. It's barely noticeable at all.” I looked at it for a few seconds, trying to remember what it looked like before the trimming was done. I told him that the main thing I was concerned about was safety and function. I said, “That's fine so long as the frame hasn't been compromised in any way. He replied, “Not at all. They only removed a few centimeters of metal.”

The metal trimming surprised me a bit. I didn't realize they were going to do that. FWIW, I paid for the “Xtreme Plus Warranty “ (3/36).

Is this modification safe? Did they do it right? Is there anything I need to be worried about? Thanks in advance for any information or advice you can offer.

Doug


YouTube Video of the modification to my 4Runner: https://youtu.be/jyzSE-3pQ3o

EDIT / UPDATE: 5/2/15 - Two pics below give better view of body mount modification

 

[toyotech]

Google body mount chop. People usually box it back in for a cleaner look.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[tyv12]

I would be pissed if a shop started hacking up my truck without consent, IMO without boxing of refabricating that mount they have severely decreased the strength of that mount. I know at a lot of shops they need written consent to do that kind of cutting


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[FJR Colorado]

That does not look good at all.

 

[Plannerman]

I can't say whether that has changed the strength but I would be on fire if someone cut up my truck without consent. What shop did the work?

 

[Silver dude]

Looks fine just needs to be welded and boxed.

 

[DougD]

I can't say whether that has changed the strength but I would be on fire if someone cut up my truck without consent. What shop did the work?

It's a very well-known, chain establishment. I thought they had a good reputation but maybe I was misinformed. Several of my coworkers have been satisfied with the work this same shop did on their vehicles. I assumed this shop, because of its popularity and reviews, would actually know what they were doing. I was under the impression that I was paying for professional knowledge, skills, and abilities from a specialist who would know what equipment to order and install. It appears I was mistaken because mounting 285's should not require a body mount chop.

I will go back to the place on Monday, discuss this with the manager, and see if we can find a solution. I think I would be satisfied if they will weld some plate on there and close up the gap. I'd prefer not to identify them by name and location just yet. If he/they refuse to fix this problem then I will name the shop.

 

[brianjwilson]

It is very common, but I agree they should have asked you about it. Most shops send people out the door with tires rubbing and the owners are mad about that too.

I don't know about the 4Runner specifically but a lot of the tacomas and FJs need a cab mount chop with 285s. A big part of the problem is the generic aftermarket wheel back spacing of 4.5" with wide 9" wheels. In your case they were wrong about wheel fitment and used a 1.25" spacer, making the tires stick out even further. They should have come up with different wheels rather than spacers anyway but that's just me.

Either way, I wouldn't be too bothered by the trimming, but I would feel better about it if they have boxed it in. Do you really want the hacks at 4 wheel parts welded onto your truck though? I'm sure they'd mess something up, burn up the body mount bushing etc.

 

[ripperj]

Structural members like those body mounts get their strength from their shape, removing large amounts of material from the side definitely makes it weaker, I would have them weld it. It's kind of like cutting the Web or flange of an "I" beam(Web is the center part, flanges are top and bottom)
I also would be majorly pissed if they did that to my truck, they would be owning it.

Sent from my Passport using Tapatalk 2

 

[redneck44]

Pedant mode on.

You ask if this mod is safe, after fitting bigger tyres, wheel spacers and a lift, all of which compromise safety in one or more ways.
The hack job they did on your frame has certainly weakened it, and at the very least they should of boxed it to return some of its integrity.

p.s I would have no problem doing similar mods (and have done far more) you have done on my own vehicle, but I wouldn't say it has made it safer, just more useful in certain situations.

 

[toyotech]

you should look into getting replacement UCA that correct caster caused by the lift. this will also help with some tire clearance on the body mount

body mount chop is really common mod when fitting larger tires. you might be able to fit 285 with stock rims but not with wider and different offset rims you have now

 

[cam-shaft]

The chop is good and gets rid of all the rubbing for all scenarios but they need to box it in. That is a main body mount and you have decreased the strength of it. The cab mounts are x-tra large and actually designed to keep the tire from coming through the foot-well during a heavy impact. So job is not completed properly, make sure it gets boxed.
Cameron.

 

[DougD]

Original post updated with two new pics. Thanks to everyone for the advice and information. It has been very helpful.

 

[jeffjeeptj]

The second photo down looks like there is a sharp corner with a "tail" from the grinding wheel. This is a stress riser in design speak. Forces get concentrated in sharp corners, which can lead to cracking. Boxing significantly reduces stress in the corners.
Take it back, if they can be trusted.

 

[bat]

I did the same thing to my Tacoma and see no problem with it.