front spring mounts welded? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

darksaga · 06-09-2003, 01:17 PM

I have a 1968 gmc k25, I bought it 8 months ago and there has been a bit of modification to it, 78 front and rear axle 402 big block, th700, power steering ect....

well about a month ago I started geting a creaking/poping sound coming from the front end so I had someone turn the wheel while I looked at the area (front stearing area) and saw that the front spring perch on the drivers side was flexing. the drivers side was bolted but the passengers side has rivets, the sides of the
perches have been welded and I know its not a factory weld because its a goober weld. I tried to tighten the bolts but one snaped so I used a punch to get it out and replaed both bolts with grade 8 units

my question is can I weld the perch back to the frame and not have any problems? and are the bolts ok? Is there anyone who makes a brace for the stearing box frame area for this old of a truck?

thanks in advance

**Yukon Jack** · 06-09-2003, 02:48 PM

Check with www.offroaddesign.com about the frame brace. They do make a brace but I don't know if it will fit a 68. If they and no one here knows, check over at www.coloradok5.com to see if they know.

6869704X4 · 06-10-2003, 01:28 PM

Ive been running bolts in mine with no welds for about 6 years. I check them once in awhile to make sure they stay tight. No problems so far.
My 70 frame has a beef up plate on the inboard side of the frame. I think yours should have one too.

darksaga · 06-13-2003, 02:54 PM

thanks, I was concerned about movement on it. I replaced the crappy bolts that it had with grade 8 an am going to brace/ box that area of the frame

**jerry moss** · 06-14-2003, 09:24 AM

that is a weak point on 67-68 4x4s. try to find a 69-72 frame and get the spring hangers from it, much better design. grade 8 bolts are very brittle--they don't stretch, use a good quality grade 5 bolt with lock nuts and don't over torque them. thats the reason frames are riveted , so they can twist and flex. if everything were welded solid the rails would snap sooner or later. boxing one area of the frame will remove the flexability in that spot and the frame will crack either behind or in front of the boxed area.

6869704X4 · 06-14-2003, 10:15 AM

Jerry, or anyone else,
Is 69 the first year of the beefup plate?

**jerry moss** · 06-14-2003, 10:57 AM

i assume you're talking about the brace behind the steering box, inside the frame, that was factory installed. i've only seen them on 71 and 72 trucks and blazers, and not many on trucks. i'm not positive on the year it was first installed as i haven't parted too many 69-70 4x4s and the few i have parted didn't have it. i cut them out whenever i find them and install them on my trucks. got two of them hanging in my garage right now waiting to be put on.

darksaga · 06-14-2003, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jerry moss
that is a weak point on 67-68 4x4s. try to find a 69-72 frame and get the spring hangers from it, much better design. grade 8 bolts are very brittle--they don't stretch, use a good quality grade 5 bolt with lock nuts and don't over torque them. thats the reason frames are riveted , so they can twist and flex. if everything were welded solid the rails would snap sooner or later. boxing one area of the frame will remove the flexability in that spot and the frame will crack either behind or in front of the boxed area.

thanks saved me a whole mess of work, my problem is that the hanger is making a poping/clanking sound when it first starts turning but not after that Im going to grind the old weld off and go from there

what does the beef-up plate look like I could try to fab one up

6869704X4 · 06-15-2003, 12:52 PM

Just for reference mine is a 70 truck and it has one. Its riveted and welded. Looks factory. But, who knows?
I thought 67-72s all had them so, shows how much I knew. hehe

**jerry moss** · 06-15-2003, 01:03 PM

the ones i've seen are riveted and tack welded in place so it sure sounds like yours is a factory installed item. all 3 of my 72s don't have them factory installed but i have buddies that do have them factory and the trucks were all built out here at the fremont, ca. plant. thanks for the info.

72SWB4X4 · 06-20-2003, 08:35 PM

my 72 swb 4x4 1/2 ton has the plate and is factory and was built in the fremont plant.

6869704X4 · 06-21-2003, 10:17 AM

Mine is a St Louis truck. So I wonder what determined if they got the plate? Not the plant evidently.

darksaga, did you ever get a pic of the plate? We got off on another conversation(thread hijack) and I dont see where you got an answer.

darksaga · 06-21-2003, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 6869704X4
Mine is a St Louis truck. So I wonder what determined if they got the plate? Not the plant evidently.

darksaga, did you ever get a pic of the plate? We got off on another conversation(thread hijack) and I dont see where you got an answer.

nope

I poked around a bit more and the noise may be coming from the p/s box, the output shaft is fairly loose. Im going to replace the box but I have one problem, when I purchased the truck I was told that the drivetrain was out of a '73 the rear axle is but the front axle (dana 44) is not, metric calipers and internal hubs making me belive that the axle is 78+, that leaves me guessing on the stearing box because a 78 steering box is not the same part #as a 73 box. I belive that the ony diffrance between the two would be metric fitings?

6869704X4 · 06-22-2003, 12:27 PM

If it quits raining long enough I snap a pic for you.

darksaga · 06-22-2003, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 6869704X4
If it quits raining long enough I snap a pic for you.

thanks

wait its raining
rain=mud No Fair!

6869704X4 · 06-27-2003, 12:17 PM

one

6869704X4 · 06-27-2003, 12:19 PM

two

darksaga · 06-27-2003, 12:38 PM

thanks its one piece right?

I could probably fab something up with plate and angle iron the bottom should be easy the top may be tricky and I would probably include the spring mount in it too

I wonder If I could just take a peice of angle iron and run it between the first 2 bolt holes?

6869704X4 · 06-27-2003, 01:50 PM

Yes its one piece.
Not sure I understand what you mean about the first two bolt holes.

darksaga · 06-27-2003, 09:40 PM

right here make a plate with angle iron where the yellow is

had to do that with paint need to install gimp...........

darksaga · 06-27-2003, 10:33 PM

made a mockup of the front brace when I make it I will probably make one out of cardboard first

6869704X4 · 06-29-2003, 12:41 PM

I gotcha now. Ive got so many bolt holes I wasn't sure which ones you were talking about.
I had the same thing happen to me with the front spring hanger. The rivets had worked loose so I took them out and put the bolts in.

06-09-2003, 01:17 PM	#1
darksaga Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: santa cruz cali Posts: 118	front spring mounts welded? I have a 1968 gmc k25, I bought it 8 months ago and there has been a bit of modification to it, 78 front and rear axle 402 big block, th700, power steering ect.... well about a month ago I started geting a creaking/poping sound coming from the front end so I had someone turn the wheel while I looked at the area (front stearing area) and saw that the front spring perch on the drivers side was flexing. the drivers side was bolted but the passengers side has rivets, the sides of the perches have been welded and I know its not a factory weld because its a goober weld. I tried to tighten the bolts but one snaped so I used a punch to get it out and replaed both bolts with grade 8 units my question is can I weld the perch back to the frame and not have any problems? and are the bolts ok? Is there anyone who makes a brace for the stearing box frame area for this old of a truck? thanks in advance __________________ 1968 gmc 3/4 4x4 longbed. built 469 700r4 (needs a th400 REAL SOON!), 14bolt ff rear 73 3/4 dana 44 1970 chevelle all wheel disc, tubular rear control arms tall spindle swap up front matching #'s 350 work in Progress Last edited by darksaga; 06-09-2003 at 01:20 PM.

06-09-2003, 02:48 PM	#2
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	Check with www.offroaddesign.com about the frame brace. They do make a brace but I don't know if it will fit a 68. If they and no one here knows, check over at www.coloradok5.com to see if they know. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

06-10-2003, 01:28 PM	#3
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	Ive been running bolts in mine with no welds for about 6 years. I check them once in awhile to make sure they stay tight. No problems so far. My 70 frame has a beef up plate on the inboard side of the frame. I think yours should have one too. __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

06-13-2003, 02:54 PM	#4
darksaga Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: santa cruz cali Posts: 118	thanks, I was concerned about movement on it. I replaced the crappy bolts that it had with grade 8 an am going to brace/ box that area of the frame __________________ 1968 gmc 3/4 4x4 longbed. built 469 700r4 (needs a th400 REAL SOON!), 14bolt ff rear 73 3/4 dana 44 1970 chevelle all wheel disc, tubular rear control arms tall spindle swap up front matching #'s 350 work in Progress

06-14-2003, 09:24 AM	#5
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,837	that is a weak point on 67-68 4x4s. try to find a 69-72 frame and get the spring hangers from it, much better design. grade 8 bolts are very brittle--they don't stretch, use a good quality grade 5 bolt with lock nuts and don't over torque them. thats the reason frames are riveted , so they can twist and flex. if everything were welded solid the rails would snap sooner or later. boxing one area of the frame will remove the flexability in that spot and the frame will crack either behind or in front of the boxed area. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

06-14-2003, 10:15 AM	#6
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	Jerry, or anyone else, Is 69 the first year of the beefup plate? __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

06-14-2003, 10:57 AM	#7
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,837	6869704X4 i assume you're talking about the brace behind the steering box, inside the frame, that was factory installed. i've only seen them on 71 and 72 trucks and blazers, and not many on trucks. i'm not positive on the year it was first installed as i haven't parted too many 69-70 4x4s and the few i have parted didn't have it. i cut them out whenever i find them and install them on my trucks. got two of them hanging in my garage right now waiting to be put on. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

06-15-2003, 12:52 PM	#9
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	Just for reference mine is a 70 truck and it has one. Its riveted and welded. Looks factory. But, who knows? I thought 67-72s all had them so, shows how much I knew. hehe __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

06-15-2003, 01:03 PM	#10
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,837	6869704X4 the ones i've seen are riveted and tack welded in place so it sure sounds like yours is a factory installed item. all 3 of my 72s don't have them factory installed but i have buddies that do have them factory and the trucks were all built out here at the fremont, ca. plant. thanks for the info. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

06-20-2003, 08:35 PM	#11
72SWB4X4 Florida Key's Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Key West Florida Posts: 143	fremont cal. my 72 swb 4x4 1/2 ton has the plate and is factory and was built in the fremont plant. __________________ Craig Wood 1972 SWB Chevy Cheyenne 4X4 Restored stock except 454 (481 cu. in. now) most options Available pictures of my truck http://myoldtruck.com/gallery/browse...500&userid=528 Come to florida and visit www.Paradisewatersports.com

06-21-2003, 10:17 AM	#12
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	Mine is a St Louis truck. So I wonder what determined if they got the plate? Not the plant evidently. darksaga, did you ever get a pic of the plate? We got off on another conversation(thread hijack) and I dont see where you got an answer. __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

06-22-2003, 12:27 PM	#14
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	If it quits raining long enough I snap a pic for you. __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

06-27-2003, 12:17 PM	#16
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	one Attached Images __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

06-27-2003, 12:19 PM	#17
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	two Attached Images __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

06-27-2003, 12:38 PM	#18
darksaga Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: santa cruz cali Posts: 118	thanks its one piece right? I could probably fab something up with plate and angle iron the bottom should be easy the top may be tricky and I would probably include the spring mount in it too I wonder If I could just take a peice of angle iron and run it between the first 2 bolt holes? __________________ 1968 gmc 3/4 4x4 longbed. built 469 700r4 (needs a th400 REAL SOON!), 14bolt ff rear 73 3/4 dana 44 1970 chevelle all wheel disc, tubular rear control arms tall spindle swap up front matching #'s 350 work in Progress Last edited by darksaga; 06-27-2003 at 12:43 PM.



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06-27-2003, 01:50 PM	#19
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	Yes its one piece. Not sure I understand what you mean about the first two bolt holes. __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

06-27-2003, 09:40 PM	#20
darksaga Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: santa cruz cali Posts: 118	right here make a plate with angle iron where the yellow is had to do that with paint need to install gimp........... Attached Images __________________ 1968 gmc 3/4 4x4 longbed. built 469 700r4 (needs a th400 REAL SOON!), 14bolt ff rear 73 3/4 dana 44 1970 chevelle all wheel disc, tubular rear control arms tall spindle swap up front matching #'s 350 work in Progress

06-27-2003, 10:33 PM	#21
darksaga Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: santa cruz cali Posts: 118	made a mockup of the front brace when I make it I will probably make one out of cardboard first Attached Images __________________ 1968 gmc 3/4 4x4 longbed. built 469 700r4 (needs a th400 REAL SOON!), 14bolt ff rear 73 3/4 dana 44 1970 chevelle all wheel disc, tubular rear control arms tall spindle swap up front matching #'s 350 work in Progress Last edited by darksaga; 06-27-2003 at 11:09 PM.

06-29-2003, 12:41 PM	#22
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	I gotcha now. Ive got so many bolt holes I wasn't sure which ones you were talking about. I had the same thing happen to me with the front spring hanger. The rivets had worked loose so I took them out and put the bolts in. __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

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