frame repair

[Beefcake]

I have the most crappy truck on this board. I love the thing, dont want to part with it. Its a huge eye sore, but I dont care. As long as its useful and cures my wrench'n itch. Im happy.

In its previous life, the truck worked on a farm. Probley lots of hours idling with half an exhaust. Well, I was underneath the truck the other day and noticed big chunks of rust coming off the frame. There is a huge section that spans about 3 feet thats just rotten on both sides. From the cab to about where the axle bend starts. Worst part is, i see an actual crack that is about an inch long on the drivers side.

Now i know most you guys would have scrapped this thing a long time ago. But the wife doesnt really give me much in the form of an allowance. IF i get rid of this truck, i doubt ill ever have another one.

so im wondering what the best fix is (assuming i work with what i have)

a. cut the frame from the cab back and replace with non-rusty long horn frame.

b. weld in patches to existing frame.

c. weld in tubular stock.

d. other.

[rwolf9653]

Flaking rust is one thing, but chunks of rust is another. Off of what you described I dont think you will be able to patch it due to lack of good metal to weld to.

I choose:
a. cut the frame from the cab back and replace with non-rusty long horn frame.


Pics would help you get a more accurate opinion if you can.

[michael bustamante]

another option could be a frame swap. is it a long or shortbed?

[chadio72]

[Longhorn Man]

I would consider a frame swap. Screw trying to weld that all up. The time and effore you'll spend will be the same as if you were to just replace the frame.
As for the Longhorn frame part, that would be hard to di since the longhorn frame is thicker and taller than normal 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton frames.

[big blue 72]

At least you are in the Midwest, home of lots of parts being swapped and sold. Check the Board, never know what you will find here.

[wildwilly4x4]

Place some supports all under the frame and body, i.e. jackstands, blocks of wood, everything you can come up with. Cut out the bad(rusted) parts of the frame and replace it with strips of 3/16s strap steel. That is if you can weld at all. I dont know your talents, but as long as you KNOW you are getting good penetration, and know a clean weld from a scab, you will be able to patch it up and look good as original. I have butt spliced (and boxed the splice area) frames several times (not the crazy angle and diamond stuff every one says) to build short beds on many trucks. All of mine have been 4x4s which I bang on the rocks and get drunk and baja in down the rivers, as well as drive to work everyday. It all has to do with common sense, KNOWING a GOOD weld from a BAD one, and realizing that frames are just broke over steel plate, not some unobtainium material that requires a certified tig rocket engine uranium exhaust tip welder to accomplish. DONT BE SCARED!

[Beefcake]

Thanks for the opinions guys. Im not sure which one ill go with. My main concern right now is saftey. I do use this truck to haul stuff.

[Beefcake]

it appears i have a 1/2 ton frame.

I took some measurements. I found that the frame is 6" tall right beneath the rear of the cab. Above the axle its 4.5" tall.

can someone concur?