Hey guys, the dreaded day has come for my poor 98 F-150. My front core support has cracked at the body mounts. Drivers side is cracked bad and passenger is completely broken and the fender is sagging. I have half a mind to tackle this job myself but I'm worried because it's a structural part of the truck and one day god giving I plan on making around 800 crank HP with this truck. What are your guy's thoughts on replacing this? I want it to be done right and be solid.

I have a spot weld drill bit, a welder although I wouldn't consider myself a pro by any means, but I've welded exhaust systems before and I have a place to do the work.

Question 1: Are there any aftermarket core supports that are better than others? Or are these 150 dollar ones the same as the 700 dollar ones? I had one shop refuse to use the cheap support because they said from a safety stand point the better support is all they would ever use since it's a structural part of the truck.

Question 2: Is this something I should do myself without a laser? I want to be sure everything on the truck sits perfectly straight and nothing is tweaked. Will everything line up once I get the new support on or is it possible I could weld this thing in crooked?

 

I think its all dependent on the quality of your work. If you measure, check, fit, all the parts, .......... and do a GOOD weld job, then there should be no problem. If you question your ability to do proper alignments, I would look for others.. Im not sure a "spot welder" is adequate for the job. Possible, but you might want assistance from a wire feed unit.
The quality of the aftermarket parts is dependent on the metal thickness and manufacturing quality...... If both parts are made in china on the same assembly line, sold by two different vendors, your paying for nothing... too often that is the case with chineese "aftermarket" parts............ all you can do is call the supplier and ask questions.

 

Ok sounds like probably something I should leave to professionals. As if I have the time for this anyway...

That being said, has anyone had any experience with the cheap vs expensive core supports? I want only the very best for this truck but I'm not made of money so don't want to spend it unless it's necessary.