frame cracks

[stan]

Alright now. This morning I was getting ready to lower the front of my
truck. First I dropped off the whole family at the train station and sent
them to sea world for the day, so I could work on the truck in peace and
quite. Got home from the train station, looked across the street at my
truck and I couldn't believe that some jackass did a hit and run on the
left front of my truck. At first it looked like just the bumper was bent
nearly completely over, the I saw that the left side frame horn was bent.
I decided what the hell I'll just take the bumper off and check the damage.
Not too bad minor bend in the frame. I went ahead and installed the 2in
dropped control arms and 3in shorter coil springs. While doing this I discovered the there are two small cracks in the frame around the steering
box. Is this a common problem and is there a repair piece or what can be
done to fix this, instead of replacing the frame.
Any advise would be much appreciated.

thanks Stan

[Pontiac1976]

Yes it is common problem more on the 4x4 still happens on the 4x2 it's a weak point it depends on how & where you do most of your driving how hard you drive hard crank on the wheel (oh and how much rust.) If you can get it welded maybe put a plate. It will be OK.
If you get a good welder do it, or do it your self if not go to a welder to do it.
I been lucky so far but have seen a few over the years the box is heavy put stress on the frame, on full turning bumps on the road in hard turn helps the frame to crack there.

[BowtieGuy]

If you pick up a 4X4 magazine there are a few places that sell a plate that will bolt on in that area of the frame to stiffen it up. These trucks, when they are lifted with large tires tend to crack there frame the steering box trying to turn them. I would try to get the cracks welded over then grind the weld down fairy smooth then bolt this plate over top of it to help stiffen it back up more.

[Pontiac1976]

Hey good to know about the plate. I did not know that some one made plate for them . Great info Bowtie for all that need it.

[reiners81chevy]

Ye a thanks. I am going to go find that plate and definately put it on my truck. especially when I will have the front tires off of the ground from launching it at the drag strip. It wouldnt be a pretty site to see the truck come up and then down only to see the front of the truck basically fall apart!!! oops. But ye athanks for the info on that.

[stan]

Hey everybody, I found the cracked frame repair brackets. They are in the JC Whitney catalog, it's
a two piece kit. I would suggest that you get a really good welder to do the repairs, because he
would know exactly how to weld the brackets in to make a good and solid repair.
The kit sells for $77.99 and right now they are offering free shipping for purchases over $75.00.
That'll save you about $20.00. I hope this can help somebody else get thier pride and joy up and
running.

Stan