Cracked frame Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CT-Truckster · 04-17-2005, 05:49 PM

I was doing some cleaning on my 84 2wd frame getting ready for a little painting and i noticed a crack on the frame at the power steering box at one of the bolt holes. I thought this problem was with 4wd's? anyway I looked on JC Whitney and and the weld on repair brace for is $70.00!! seems mighty expensive to me. anybody where i can get it cheaper?

Russell · 04-17-2005, 06:19 PM

Can you make one?

**old Rusty C10** · 04-17-2005, 06:28 PM

most welders can just fab a plate for alot less than that

ureckme · 04-17-2005, 06:46 PM

This is a common problem even with 2wd trucks. As long as no pieces are gone a good welder can vee out the cracks from both sides and weld them in. If theres a lot of cracks, long ones you get a piece of an other frame from the same area trim it and weld it on the inside or outside of the frame depending on how bad it's damaged. You must fix the cracks yhat are there first. Matt

*1FaastC10* · 04-17-2005, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ureckme

This is a common problem even with 2wd trucks. As long as no pieces are gone a good welder can vee out the cracks from both sides and weld them in. If theres a lot of cracks, long ones you get a piece of an other frame from the same area trim it and weld it on the inside or outside of the frame depending on how bad it's damaged. You must fix the cracks yhat are there first. Matt

i know guys who have done both ways, with the patch panel, and with a section of frame from another truck. the patch panel is definitely the lesser of two evils in this case, and well worth the money.

if the frame can be welded back together without the addition of a plate, that would be the best altertative, as the fit for the patch plates are pretty crappy. if you do go that route, spend the $70.00 or so, and get the bolt on brace to prevent further problems.

86 GMG · 04-18-2005, 09:11 AM

my truck has or had the same problem mine is from a reck and the frame was tweeked anyway weld it back solid and then you can put 1/4 inch or even 1/8 inch plates about a 2 inch square drill holes in them and then if you need to get a little longer bolts to bolt on the box once bolted in and in place weld the plates in place this sould prevent any further damage or existing good luck

p.s. i am not talking from experiance yet but the old man that told me this i trust completely!!!1

454HO · 04-18-2005, 10:27 AM

My frame had spider web cracks around one of the steering box bolt holes. I cut a V groove with a Dremel and carbide cutter, then welded it up with my MIG. I'm also going to make an angle brace like this one from Autofab.

CT-Truckster · 04-18-2005, 05:57 PM

thanks for tips, I have access to and am pretty decent with a mig so I think I will mig the crack and after looking and thinking about it I think I can make my own brace. not that I'm too cheap to buy one, I just like doing that kinda stuff myself when possible, just for the experience i guess. I just wasn't sure if welding the crack would be enough, but I'm sure now if I don't put some kinda brace or plate on it I'll prob be doing this all again in the future.

phantom dually · 04-18-2005, 06:04 PM

Alot of trucks do this when people run them without a front bumper. Something for people to remember.

04-17-2005, 05:49 PM	#1
CT-Truckster ? Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dyersburg, TN Posts: 471	Cracked frame Question I was doing some cleaning on my 84 2wd frame getting ready for a little painting and i noticed a crack on the frame at the power steering box at one of the bolt holes. I thought this problem was with 4wd's? anyway I looked on JC Whitney and and the weld on repair brace for is $70.00!! seems mighty expensive to me. anybody where i can get it cheaper?

04-17-2005, 06:19 PM	#2
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Can you make one? __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

04-17-2005, 06:28 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	most welders can just fab a plate for alot less than that __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

04-18-2005, 09:11 AM	#6
86 GMG Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tulsa Oklahoma Posts: 943	my truck has or had the same problem mine is from a reck and the frame was tweeked anyway weld it back solid and then you can put 1/4 inch or even 1/8 inch plates about a 2 inch square drill holes in them and then if you need to get a little longer bolts to bolt on the box once bolted in and in place weld the plates in place this sould prevent any further damage or existing good luck p.s. i am not talking from experiance yet but the old man that told me this i trust completely!!!1 __________________ square body trucks an addiction or an investment either way they consume all my extra time and money

04-18-2005, 06:04 PM	#9
phantom dually Project92 SWB stepside Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 4,792	Alot of trucks do this when people run them without a front bumper. Something for people to remember. __________________ 92 C1500 stepside 496 Stroker Competiton Engineering Ladder bars/QA1 coilovers. Dana 60 rear with 4.10 gear and posi. Bonspeed Palisade 20x12 in rear w/335/30/20 and 20x8.5 front w/245/40/20. 5/8 drop with Belltech springs/DJM spindles/drop shocks. WWS Progress thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=140448

04-17-2005, 06:46 PM	#4
ureckme ureckmefixit2@cox.net Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mesa AZ. (Phoenix) Posts: 1,284	This is a common problem even with 2wd trucks. As long as no pieces are gone a good welder can vee out the cracks from both sides and weld them in. If theres a lot of cracks, long ones you get a piece of an other frame from the same area trim it and weld it on the inside or outside of the frame depending on how bad it's damaged. You must fix the cracks yhat are there first. Matt

04-18-2005, 10:27 AM	#7
454HO Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,223	My frame had spider web cracks around one of the steering box bolt holes. I cut a V groove with a Dremel and carbide cutter, then welded it up with my MIG. I'm also going to make an angle brace like this one from Autofab.

04-18-2005, 05:57 PM	#8
CT-Truckster ? Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dyersburg, TN Posts: 471	thanks for tips, I have access to and am pretty decent with a mig so I think I will mig the crack and after looking and thinking about it I think I can make my own brace. not that I'm too cheap to buy one, I just like doing that kinda stuff myself when possible, just for the experience i guess. I just wasn't sure if welding the crack would be enough, but I'm sure now if I don't put some kinda brace or plate on it I'll prob be doing this all again in the future.



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