chassis modifications?

[mike's explorer]

I have been wondering if I should ask a frame shop if they can remove the rubber body bushings and weld in metal blocks to stiffen up the chassis. I am not worried about harshness since my explorer has almost all poly bushings throughout. Will the blocks rip the body spot welds out from twisting, or will it not work at all?

Also has anyone asked if a frame shop can fabricate a roll cage to also stiffen up the body and get rid of all those creaks, and make it a true off-roader?
I wonder how much it would cost $500-$800 or so.

 

[CHH777]

I definitely would not recommend that. The Explorer frame is very flexible. The body is not.

You would eventually tear the body from the frame.

BTW, what would be the added benefit of doing this?

 

[leebo]

I've seen several explorers that has used the poly bushings for their body mounts and even with those they ripped the body of in some places. Metal blocks will only do it quicker. The best way to get rid of the body roll is still to upgrade your shocks and your sway-bars.

As for the roll cage. A few people here have them. They'll run anywhere from 900-?? Less depending on what you want.

I'd also like to welcome you to the site. You'll find anything and everything all right here.