Thinking that's what I'll do is take the plates off, look under it and clean. If there is any damages, I can weld back on a better plate with better welds. I am dreading seeing how much rust/dirt is under it as the welds are not completely sealed.
Just remembered some old photos before I picked up the truck, where the plates are is also where the bed U bolts were. Guessing it was there to keep the frame from being squashed by the U bold bracket? Kind of makes sense now. Glad I still have the photos.
