Here's a quick update on the front bumper...

I've decided to chop off the body mounts and replace them with 4"x4" steel tubing (3/16" wall thickness). I'll weld the new mounts to the frame, along with a 2"x4" cross-brace (3/16" wall, 35" long), to which the bumper will mount. The new mounts will rise 3" above the frame, with the cross-brace attached at frame-level. And I'll weld the stock body mount's mounting surface to the top of the 4"x4" tube. That will allow the body to mount directly to the frame - no plastic blocks or extension-bolts on the front end. Its going to be a lot more work than I had expected. But it should be rock-solid when I'm done... I hope. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

I'll add that the body-lift blocks are part of the reason I'm taking the long road. They were cut flat off a log of HDPE round stock of a larger diameter than the recess in the body mount (i.e. the depression that mates with the rubber body bushing/washer). So they sit over the recess - not in it, and appear to have shifted a bit, though only very slightly. I plan to replace the remaining six mounts with a set of properly-machined blocks - recessed on one end to receive the rubber bushing and a "bump" on the other that will sit in the mount (not above it). I'll try to post some photos on Thursday... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />