Any suggestions?? Steering box issue...
 

So as I was taking apart the front end and getting the frame prepped for paint, I took off the steering box and stumbled upon this... The rear-most bolt hole in the frame has been completely sheared out!! Not really sure what the best course of action would be at this point. I plan on putting in power steering but I'm not sure if that requires a special bracket that would require different hole locations. I thought about just hammering it flush and welding it the hole shut and then drilling a new hole, but I'm not sure that would be strong enough for the application... any insight would be much appreciated!! :-)

Re: Any suggestions?? Steering box issue...
 

I would stop-drill the crack and re-weld it. After that, I would convert the truck to power steering, and use one of Capt Fab's adaptor brackets and have it fully welded in. You'll be good to go after that.

Re: Any suggestions?? Steering box issue...
 

I'd hammer it back, weld it up, and then get the adaptor plate from Captain Fab for a power steering box. Any power steering conversion requires new holes anyway, and you can weld the adaptor plate right onto the frame.

I just got done updating mine to power steering, and the plate and instructions from Captain were excellent - I highly recommend it.

Bill

Re: Any suggestions?? Steering box issue...
 

Cool - chevyrestoguy had the exact same thought I did. :metal:

Re: Any suggestions?? Steering box issue...
 

Thanks guys. I had heard of Captain Fabs adapter plate but I just wasn't sure of the bolt hole locations. Looks like I'll be in touch with him shortly!!

Re: Any suggestions?? Steering box issue...
 

And stop drilling the cracks is a great idea! I wouldn't have thought to do that, but I definitely don't want that thing spreading down the road!!

Re: Any suggestions?? Steering box issue...
 

IF you weld in the captains plate you should have -0- problems. That sounds funny doesn't it [the captains plate]...Vernski:haha::haha:

Re: Any suggestions?? Steering box issue...
 

Yep! What they said above!