Probably dumb frame horn removal question

[Michael Gain]

Hey everyone,

I'm upgrading my rims and tires and was going to cut off my frame horns.

Do I NEED to weld on a blanking plate? I see that the frame is open on the bottom, and understand that more dirt, mud, etc would be forced in the open hole if I left it open.

I guess what I am worried about, not knowing much about what that part of the frame supports, is whether it will deform, stretch, compress, with the structure of the "end cap" removed... a structural integrity question if you will.

Likewise, if it is not structural, why can't I just trim down the piece I remove and JB weld it into place to keep out dirt?

Probably a dumb question, but I would rather ask the experts before I do something I regret.

Just a note: for realsies welding is not really an option right now for various reasons..

 

[BeemerNut]

"welding is not really an option right now of various reasons" Had to ask, what's wrong with welding? Sure beats JB gluing any part together that being a half azz patch 'em up job.

 

[Michael Gain]

Absolutely nothing is wrong with it. Much preferred for many reasons.

The welder that I would use is inaccessible for the foreseeable future, and I can't take the vehicle anywhere locally for various reasons. I have little options lol. I figured that patching the hole is better than leaving it open. Unless it is structural. Then I would have no choice but to wait.

Part of this question is bred out of impatience (I want to put my wheels on now) but also curiosity.

 

[djkaosone]

The frame horns are unnecessary, they were meant for popping your tires so it doesn't cause more damage.

Anyhow, I know a guy that did this on 2 different LR4s where he cuts them off and welds a blanking plate and paints it. He also uses a heat gun to warp/invert the wheel well plastic to stop the rubbing. I think he was able to fit 33s and 34s on it with these mods on the front.

 

[Quijote]

OK, am I the only one who has no idea what these frame horns are?

 

[BeemerNut]

I was thinking you had welders in your shop or garage only requiring rolling out then welding your project. I got fed up over 40 years ago bugging friends with welders, played stepping stone upgrading until the Miller 350 Synchrowave Tig and Miller 251 Mig machine w/30A Spoolgun suited my needs. Plasma cutter replacing O/A cutting as well welding. Being independent never relying on using others equipment, paying for machining, fabricating and welding projects. DIY is rewarding and cost saving; https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox?projector=1.....~~=o&o>.....

 

[Michael Gain]

Tracking all that brother. Prefereed method is to weld the plate on. What im asking is : do i HAVE to?

The frame horns are unnecessary, they were meant for popping your tires so it doesn't cause more damage.

Anyhow, I know a guy that did this on 2 different LR4s where he cuts them off and welds a blanking plate and paints it. He also uses a heat gun to warp/invert the wheel well plastic to stop the rubbing. I think he was able to fit 33s and 34s on it with these mods on the front.

 

[Michael Gain]

A welder is the only "tool" I have never purchased. I'm with you on DIY.

I was thinking you had welders in your shop or garage only requiring rolling out then welding your project. I got fed up over 40 years ago bugging friends with welders, played stepping stone upgrading until the Miller 350 Synchrowave Tig and Miller 251 Mig machine w/30A Spoolgun suited my needs. Plasma cutter replacing O/A cutting as well welding. Being independent never relying on using others equipment, paying for machining, fabricating and welding projects. DIY is rewarding and cost saving; https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox?projector=1.....~~=o&o>.....

 

[Michael Gain]

@Quijote

Here is a removal thread

https://www.landroverworld.org/threads/finally-eliminated-275-65r18-tire-rub-at-frame-horn.28735/

 

[Quijote]

@Quijote

Here is a removal thread

https://www.landroverworld.org/threads/finally-eliminated-275-65r18-tire-rub-at-frame-horn.28735/

I see. Thanks.