crack where power steering mounts

[bbbc10]

I know this a common problem for these trucks do have a crack where the power steering is... I was wondering how ppl with this problem fixes it by jus welding it up or putting a metal plate an welding it an if anyone has used this kit before


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smittybilt-C...74681057&rt=nc

[Eraser475]

Is this of any help?
http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/steeringkit.htm

[Kinze]

Clean up and weld then install plate and good to go.

Google steering brace

[mattybilt79]

I used one from ORD. Weld on kits are basically all the same just two plates that weld on after you clean the frame up and weld the existing cracks. Its pretty amazing how bad a frame can really be once its bare metal and cracks are all visible. A steering box brace kit is good insurance too.

[cfan10]

Had mine welded, not a great job wishing I had sold it and bought another truck with a clean frame. Is the frame by the PS gearbox a weak area in 81-87 because I was talking to a guy who said he had an 85 burn I think with this. Anyway, mine was just welded didn't use a plate or anything just welded. Has held up since 2010 I think, but is a sitter not really a driver. Good luck with the work. Apologize for the rant.

[mattybilt79]

The frames are weak on all 1/2 ton 4x4 thru 87 (91*). Even ones that were never lifted with bigger tires have been known to crack. Just a design flaw that never got fixed. They added one extra spacer in the late 80s but still the constant flexing of the frame will crack it and proper torque on the mounting bolts is also important. It doesn't hurt to run a steering box brace at all. Even if you found a perfect frame all the more reason to put a steering box brace on it to help resist it cracking out in the future. I've seen some nasty broken frame and even worse repair pictures over the years. Whenever I've bought a solid axle Chevy I anticipate a cracked frame and that's usually the first thing I look at.

[jjzepplin]

Mine was clean and un-cracked so I put the weld on kit on and got in an accident that bent the frame and totaled the truck. I got a new frame and thought I would just remove the old brace from the bent frame and it worked out fine on the new frame. To my surprise the old bent frame was in great condition under the brace and did not crack under the stress of the accident.

[Tx Firefighter]

Texas is full of 2 wheel drive trucks with cracked steering box mounts. Why ? Because for many years a ton of trucks here in Texas ran ten to twelve inch wide tires on all four corners. It was a local trend that was extremely popular. Those wide tires stress out the mount when you crank the power steering.

We all did it. 295/50s on ten inch wheels or 275/60s on eight inch wheels.

[cfan10]

^bought mine w/bfg 295 50 15 and 15x10 love the look but was advised that they shouldn't be on the front because it will cause front end problems.

[hatzie]

I installed the ORD weld on plate and bolt on brace on the 76 and the CUCV as insurance. The 76 is a K20 and the CUCV is a K30. Neither were cracked but I didn't want to deal with it after it broke.

http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/steeringkit.htm

[bbbc10]

thanks for the help im going to get one of the weld in plates

[MalibuSSwagon]

So my 1986 C10 has 99k miles, always ran stock size tires at least for the past 15 years, and the frame looks great. Should I install a brace anyways? It's a semi-daily driver, toy hauler and once in awhile hauling a car trailer.

[SkinnyG]

Other than taking it apart and having a good look, are there any tell-tale signs of a cracked frame, say, in driving it??

[MalibuSSwagon]

It does like to wander all over the road, still have some items left to check. Replaced all the tie-rods, pitman and idler arm this summer with Moog parts.

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by MalibuSSwagon

So my 1986 C10 has 99k miles, always ran stock size tires at least for the past 15 years, and the frame looks great. Should I install a brace anyways? It's a semi-daily driver, toy hauler and once in awhile hauling a car trailer.

I probably would. The weld in piece may be overkill but the braces are bolt in pieces. Easy insurance.

I had the noses pulled off both trucks and the 76 was an empty frame. Easy to access the 76 in an easy TIG welding position. When I did the CUCV I was a bit better with the TIG.

[bbbc10]

the weld in one goes on the inside of the frame correct? but where does the other piece it comes with go?

[Koffer]

It's welds on the bottom of the frame rail , the two holes in it are for clearing the rivets heads the hold the cross member on

[bbbc10]

thanks!!