Quote:
Originally Posted by JimDirt
Thank you AssBurns, nice to know there's another option out there. I just looked those up and they're now $149. The next venture ones are thicker at 1/4" instead of 3/16" and like you said the hooks are nice and make them look more like OEM so I think I'll try them out, I'm going to give him a call. I unfortunately don't have the skills or equipment, though it's something I would like to learn. I feel like this could cost me an arm and a leg to get done. Several posts I've found mentioned pulling the engine to weld them in properly, were you able to do it without?
|
Wow! The cost went up that much? That's a lot I feel like, but steel costs have gone up quite a bit this year. Thanks to Trumps tariffs
I'd go with the ones you posted then for less than half the price, 1/4" plate, and the hooks.
I was able to get them welded without pulling the engine. We just put it on the lift, unbolted the motor mounts, and used an under hoist jack to push the engine up as much as possible to make room to work. Then we were able to plasma cut the old perches off, and grind it all smooth (That part was a b!tch), then bolt the new perches on to the motor mounts and lower the engine to where it needed to be. From there we tacked everything in place, unbolted and jacked the motor back up out of the way. Welded it all back up . I was able to weld the bottom and sides no problem, but the top I just welded the best I could without being able to directly see what I was doing. They've held up great to the abuse I'v put them through over the past couple years now.
It was definitely a PITA, but totally doable without removing the engine. I would expect it to not be very cheap because of how much labor is involved with dropping the diff, unbolting the mounts, cutting, grinding and welding, painting, reassembly, etc.