Is This Safe? Installer Did a Surprise Body Mount Chop on 2012 SR5

[DougD]

UPDATE - 7 May 2015: The problem has been resolved. If you've just now found this post, you can read the whole thread or you can skip ahead to see how they fixed it. FWIW, I'm happy with the way the shop addressed the problem. Hopefully this thread will help others with similar issues or questions. Thank you for reading.

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Begin original post...

Forum Vets: I did a search on “body mount chop” and other related phrases before posting.

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.

 

[hearno]

The conventional method includes removing more of the part that sticks out toward the outside edge of the truck and welding a piece of metal back over the exposed mount to strengthen/protect the now open end. Someone more knowledgeable than I will hopefully chime in but it doesn't appear to be a bad job. At least they painted it for you.

 

[Range]

I wouldn't let them give it back to me like that. I'd tell the manager they need to weld some metal over that opening. Plus they should have asked you first.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I wouldn't let them give it back to me like that. I'd tell the manager they need to weld some metal over that opening. Plus they should have asked you first.

I agree with Range, the body mount is probably still plenty strong; but I'd be more comfortable if they just welded a small patch there to reinforce it. I'm sure if you calmly explained it to them that you're concerned about the structural integrity they shouldn't give you too much hassle for it. It sounds like they could have done a bit better explaining what "trimming" really entailed. But hey, free included body mount chop?

 

[sigbrown1297]

if that was mine, I would be pissed that they didn't ask before doing that. Was that after alignment?

 

[Hellamatic]

They removed a lot of meat there. More than my body mount chop, and they didn't reinforce it. I'd be concerned with what they've done there.

This is the second new thread today that covers a botched mod by an ostensibly "professional" shop. Please research shops before farming out work on your vehicle. Take the time to research what needs to be done so you have the confidence to judge whether or not they are doing the work correctly. Or, even better, familiarize yourself with the work that needs to be done and do it yourself. I do all my own work and rest well at night knowing that it's done correctly and was completed properly without the mentality of just sending another customer on their way and making a buck.

 

[apollo]

think about what the profile of that section does--why is it shaped like that?

 

[4OYOTER]

I do agree they should have asked your permission before doing your BMC. I also wouldn't be too thrilled to learn I would need wheel spacers to fit my wheels. I'm guessing these were wheels they recommended to you or already had in stock?

On the flip side, there are alot of people with various Toyotas whose BMCs look identical to yours and I've never heard of any issues leaving the mount "open" like yours. Some people also pay shops just to have this modification done. It's "kind" of them to do it free of cost, however I personally would want them to weld in a plate to box the mount back in. I'm guessing they knew this was standard practice, but since you were already waiting on the vehicle to be finished they just needed to make it road worthy ASAP. I would go back and politely ask them to weld a plate back on. And also discuss other wheel options since they told you spacers wouldn't be needed at the original consultation.

Just curious... Did they only do the BMC on one side?

 

[wfo9]

Yea, it's not an ideal job... But I think it is "safe"...

They will not be able to weld in a plate in that form. There is simply no room the get the mig gun up in there. They will need to cut off more of the outboard section to make room. It's not an "easy" job. It takes some time. I just did this on my truck.

Crazy part is that you don't need a body mount to run those tires. Proper wheel offset, size, and alignment does not require a BMC for 285 70s.

This looks like it was typical 4wheel parts work. Not the best choice for anything. Unfortunatly, they typically don't know what they are doing when it comes to Toyota (or really anything)

 

[DougD]

I also wouldn't be too thrilled to learn I would need wheel spacers to fit my wheels. I'm guessing these were wheels they recommended to you or already had in stock?

I wasn't too thrilled either. I told them I wanted some simple, steel wheels in this style that would work with my vehicle. That was weeks ago when I made the arrangements and paid half up front. They ordered all the parts and scheduled me for the install.

I took the vehicle in at 0900 and they told me it would be ready by 1700. They called me at 1330 and told me about the wheels rubbing the calipers and the need for spacers. They initially wanted me to pay for the spacers ($89.99 per set). I reminded the Salesman that he had personally told me I wouldn't need spacers and that I had asked for wheels that were compatible with the 4Runner. I asked him why he had ordered wheels that required spacers. He said that he had never actually done an "install" on a 4Runner before. He said these wheels showed to be compatible with an FJ Cruiser so he assumed they would work for the 4Runner. We discussed the safety of spacers for a minute or two. I politely told him that considering all the money I was already spending and the information he had given me weeks ago, I didn't think I should have to pay for the spacers. He agreed to install the spacers at no charge. FWIW, this is a well-known, chain establishment with a good reputation (as far as I know but maybe I am misinformed).

Just curious... Did they only do the BMC on one side?

No, they did it on both sides.

 

[jrandom]

Lame, hacks. I'd be pissed frankly, cutting any metal without the permission and without explaining exactly why they wanted to do so is BS IMO. Even more so if it wasn't necessary. Geezus since they didn't patch it over the least they could have done was deburr and attempt to round over the edges. F'k they even clean it before they rattle canned it?

 

[1engineer]

You do realize why the body mount bracket sticks out so far on the front right? Its to keep the front wheel, hub and brake disc from being driven back into the cabin in the event of an accident. Regardless of any reinforcement when you do a BMC you diminish the effectiveness of this safety feature. Sure, adding metal back after chopping will make the actual body mount portion stronger but the safety aspect is gone. It's your call OP. I personally would be upset at both the shop for doing it without my approval and at myself for not researching enough to understand what [MENTION=106176]wfo9[/MENTION] said above: 285's should fit easily by adjusting caster forward. The wheel spacers I don't understand if you are running stock rims.
Edit: I see you put rims on that have the wrong BS And offset.That's why they had to use spacers and again, research would have shown spacing a wheel out on a 4runner will compound the rubbing issue. I realize a lot of people don't know or care to know the details but this is a case where the shop apparently didn't know either.

 

[hearno]

Its to keep the front wheel, hub and brake disc from being driven back into the cabin in the event of an accident.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q70jNH-FnVY

 

[1engineer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q70jNH-FnVY

Exactly. If you do a BMC it won't happen like the video anymore.

 

[Bevo]

Exactly. If you do a BMC it won't happen like the video anymore.

That is also the crash test that the 4runner scores low on to begin with.

 

[DougD]

I personally would be upset at both the shop for doing it without my approval and at myself for not researching enough to understand what [MENTION=106176]wfo9[/MENTION] said above: 285's should fit easily by adjusting caster forward.

I am upset at both parties now. I was aware (from reading this forum) that 285's should fit and definitely would not have signed off on removing metal had I known they were going to do it beforehand.

I see you put rims on that have the wrong BS And offset. That's why they had to use spacers and again, research would have shown spacing a wheel out on a 4runner will compound the rubbing issue. I realize a lot of people don't know or care to know the details but this is a case where the shop apparently didn't know either.

The mistake I made was assuming this shop, because of its popularity and reviews, would actually know what they were doing. Several of my coworkers have been satisfied with the work this same shop did on their vehicles. 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.

I will go back to the place on Monday, discuss this with the manager, and see if we can find a solution.

 

[1engineer]

I am upset at both parties now. I was aware (from reading this forum) that 285's should fit and definitely would not have signed off on removing metal had I known they were going to do it beforehand.



The mistake I made was assuming this shop, because of its popularity and reviews, would actually know what they were doing. Several of my coworkers have been satisfied with the work this same shop did on their vehicles. 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.

I will go back to the place on Monday, discuss this with the manager, and see if we can find a solution.

I don't know what you hope the resolution would be but the frame of a 4Runner has several types of steel. If you hope to return it to before the chop that won't happen so you have to make the decision on "good enough" for you.
With that said some people will not worry about the loss of this safety feature as they knew and chopped anyway. There's probably several who got a chop and knew nothing about losing the safety.

 

[K9trainer]

One option to consider is demanding compensation for the "damage" they caused your vehicle, since it was never discussed with you prior to being preformed and even more so if it could be proven un necessary to begin with. Remember what ever route you take you must be compensated enough to pay for the loss you "may" take when you sell the truck. Even if you never take an additional loss, get compensated for it now.
You may have a legal standing.

If it was me I would get an written estimate for the damage from a body shop and go down that road. I sure as hell wouldn't be paying for any of this including the incorrect wheels, and there is no way I would let these hacks repair the damage they caused. One screw up ordering the wrong wheels led to another screw up mandating the use of spacers, increasing the need to cut the frame. What a bunch of bozos. That being said I'm sure there are some who wouldn't have a problem with the chop.
But that's just how I see.

 

[KidVermicious]

think about what the profile of that section does--why is it shaped like that?

This x1000. To keep the original functionality of that body mount, it needs to be boxed. Sitting like it is, it's going to flex more than designed, a lot more. It probably won't bend catastrophically right away, but it will fatigue much faster than intended and eventually crack and sag. This will happen faster if you're wheeling.

Take it back and make them box it in.

edit - I'm sorry, I gave you bad advice. I didn't realize this was 4WheelParts that did this. 4WheelParts is the Walmart of 4WD chain stores. My new advice is to not ever give that company any money ever again, and definitely don't let them get near your truck with a welder. Find a real 4WD service shop, or even a competent local wheeler/fabricator, and get it fixed on your dime. Consider it a lesson learned and move on, because 4WP will definitely not pay you to have somebody else fix that and you sure as shit don't want them doing it.

Put up a holler in the regional forum here on the board, you may find somebody local with some fab skill that can help you. Be ready with the beers. Good beer, mind you.

 

[4Surfin]

WTF? I would be pissed! that is some 4WP stuff right there.... please tell me you didn't take it to them?! I would be getting compensated largely!