Question on Body Mount Chop

[JustSomeName]

I'm looking to do a body mount chop so that I can fit 33" tires.

I was following this BM Chop DIY on T120
Body mount chop - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

I have the sawzall at home to chop the body mount myself, that part seems pretty straight forward.

However, my question is, is it absolutely necessary to weld the metal back on or can I just leave it open? Any concerns I should worry about if I just left it open?

 

[TOY2G]

I'm looking to do a body mount chop so that I can fit 33" tires.

I was following this BM Chop DIY on T120
Body mount chop - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

I have the sawzall at home to chop the body mount myself, that part seems pretty straight forward.

However, my question is, is it absolutely necessary to weld the metal back on or can I just leave it open? Any concerns I should worry about if I just left it open?

My 4th gens have a body mount chop, and they are welded back in. The problem with leaving them open, is the added deflection you will get at that mount (once of the more load supporting mount of all the body mounts). It will flex with the body more than it should and will eventually crack the mount where you cut it.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

I'm looking to do a body mount chop so that I can fit 33" tires.

I was following this BM Chop DIY on T120
Body mount chop - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

I have the sawzall at home to chop the body mount myself, that part seems pretty straight forward.

However, my question is, is it absolutely necessary to weld the metal back on or can I just leave it open? Any concerns I should worry about if I just left it open?

Just tape it on. Kidding, but yeah, you should probably weld it, like [MENTION=64685]TOY2G[/MENTION] said.

 

[4gin007]

definitely weld it back up. your gonna lose the intended strength if you leave it open.

 

[markaidan]

Just tape it on. Kidding, but yeah, you should probably weld it, like [MENTION=64685]TOY2G[/MENTION] said.

Funny you mention the tape, because that's exactly what I did with mine. I cut them and threw some black duct tape over the opening. I've been running them like that for around 6 months, and I haven't noticed any ill effects from the chop (alone).

I fully intend to weld them in the spring, but I never felt the need to close them due to a lack of structural integrity. To each his own, I suspect?