How best to fix frame rust at shock mount (and how to remove rubber bump stops?)

[ratdude747]

While working on removing the LH axle bump stop (to remove the brake hose bracket, which I need to free a stuck old hose from), I think I found penatrating rust in my frame by the shock mount:

The mount itself has the same issue... full of rust flakes and dirt (why it rusted so bad?):

The shock mount is replaceable, I know... but what's the best way to salvage the frame? Weld a patch (need to get a better welder than my 90A HF Flux Core junker), or make a doubler plate to bolt up to the same holes as the shock mount?

I haven't gone hammering on it yet to knock out the rust... but I get the idea that goes straight through.

FWIW I still haven't gotten the bleeping bump stop off yet... went well until it all seized up with the bump loose. Short of burning the rubber and buying a new stop, any tricks to removing these the rest of the way (need to get the hose bracket off so I can remove the old hose fitting and clip from the bracket).

 

[ratdude747]

Got the bump stop off... Of all things, my "favorite" 12" Hart wrench was able to get a grip on the base metal and allow for removal and re-installation. For a Walmart tool, that wrench seems to save my butt a lot (originally bought to remove a fan clutch from a 1984 F150, which worked great!)

The bump stop was pretty mangled coming off:

I almost feel bad reusing it, but I doubt I'll ever need to remove it again. Why I needed to pull it:

Thankfully after a lot of heat and prying, I was able to free the clip and hammer out the old hose. New hose went in without a hitch. And with that (and a brake bleed), I finally have working (and mostly rebuilt) rear brakes again...


As for the frame rot, I took a hammer to the suspect area and yep, she's rotted through:

I cleaned as much of the dirt/gravel/loose rust out of there as I could. Knocked a dime size hole in the suspect area of the shock mount too.

I also noted that one of my bed supports is also rotten.. but so are the cab corners, rear wheel arches, rear bed corners, and parts of the lower radiator support. It was a northern IL truck before I bought it, and it shows

Maybe the best option is to let it be, and keep my eyes open for another 95-97 long bed (preferably with a fully optioned interior like this one)... as I have been, ever since I bought this one (which replaced another of such fully optioned long beds). Good thing most/all of my mods are (or have been) effectively bolt on...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

My opinion;
Clean up the area and paint it. Put a new shock hanger on. The hanger acts like a fish plate.

 

[Shadowrider6661]

I believe that eBay has a company that sells frame repair plates specifically for that purpose. I stumbled across it last night, I typed in 97 Ranger front in the search box. You might want to take a look.

 

[ratdude747]

I believe that eBay has a company that sells frame repair plates specifically for that purpose. I stumbled across it last night, I typed in 97 Ranger front in the search box. You might want to take a look.

At least on ebay, All I'm finding are weld-on C-channel pieces for the spring mount area. I had the spring mounts (all 4), shackles, and bushings replaced when I first bought it (they were in BAD shape, as one would expect)... not the area in question.

I'll do more looking later... maybe LMC or the like has something. Or I could make something or have one made (find somebody with a CNC laser/plasma rig).