K5 frame crack

[K5Rob]

Anyone have pics or a description of where the frame likes to crack on a 87 k5 4x4, up by the steering box. I have looked on the truck but dont see anything, perhaps I am not looking close enough or in the right spot. Been searching for pics and cant find any.

 

[Snoots]

Sometimes you can see it from the inside of the frame rail but for the best view, just remove the bolts holding the steering box on and look behind it. It usually cracks behind the steering box.
ORD makes a great kit and even if your frame is not already cracked, it's great insurance.

 

[nvrenuf]

The cracks typically spread from the steering box mounting bolts and run from there. For a good inspection I’d unbolt the box and swing it out of the way then clean the frame really good.

 

[CalSgt]

This is a K-10 frame but I assume a Blazer frame would break the same

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[K5Rob]

This is a K-10 frame but I assume a Blazer frame would break the same

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This looks like the outside. Is it nescessary to remove the box?
Truck is not on the road yet just trying to find out if its cracked or not

 

[CalSgt]

This looks like the outside. Is it nescessary to remove the box?
Truck is not on the road yet just trying to find out if its cracked or not

My cracks were not visible on the outside with the steering box mounted. These cracks were visible on the inside too, my frame was so dirty I didn't even notice the cracks until I cleaned and blasted it. With the crossmember, engine cradle, brake lines, power steering lines, Etc in the way it's difficult to look from the inside but not impossible.

If you plan on running large tires you should consider adding an ORD steering box brace sooner rather than later.

ETA: The ORD brace is not the same as the crack patch kit, it should prevent it from breaking there but will not repair a frame that's already cracked.

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[K5Rob]

My cracks were not visible on the outside with the steering box mounted. These cracks were visible on the inside too, my frame was so dirty I didn't even notice the cracks until I cleaned and blasted it. With the crossmember, engine cradle, brake lines, power steering lines, Etc in the way it's difficult to look from the inside but not impossible.

Thank you. In your opinion are cracks common on all frames or just trucks that have been wheeled or something else?

 

[warrpath4x4]

if its cracked- clean the frame/cracks, drill a small hole at the end of the cracks, gouge out the cracks, weld them up, grind it flat, and weld in a steering box brace.

if its not cracked- clean the frame, weld on a brace. because if its not cracked yet, it will be.

 

[warrpath4x4]

there are also bolt in steering box brace options but they wont really help if the frame is already cracked and not repaired

 

[CalSgt]

Thank you. In your opinion are cracks common on all frames or just trucks that have been wheeled or something else?

Cracked frames are common on all of these K trucks but even more so with large tires and or wheeled hard.

My truck was on 33's and was primarily a daily driver with some dirt road use, absolutely no hard off roading or wheeling. It still broke...

 

[TotalyHucked]

Thank you. In your opinion are cracks common on all frames or just trucks that have been wheeled or something else?.

They're common on all these trucks. My buddy's '86 2wd C10 was cracked so bad it was making the truck sketchy at speed and could hardly keep it in the lane

 

[Old Guy Bill]

If it has tires on it you might see the steering box/frame flex while someone rocks the steering wheel..
Regardless, as others have said, make the reenforcement to the frame now if you plan on running bigger tires.

 

[Zelph]

Here’s the weld in plates and the bolt in brace as a kit for $200

73-87 GM Steering box reinforcement bracket

The best steering box reinforcement bracket on the market. Prevent cracked frames on your squarebody with our steering box brace. Strongest brace

hogbackfab.com

 

[Chevy 88]

My K5: Has 37" tires installed and I beat the hell out of this rig - so I checked my K5 frame to see if there were any cracks around the steering box.

Nope. Not one.

Apparently someone at the factory had the foresight to put a bunch of extra welds all over the frame around the steering box to prevent the issue from ever happening at all.

 

[Bennyt]

Personally, I think they are all cracked as I have torn apart probably 15-20 trucks and all have had something.

Our 77 C10 I inspected the heck out of it before sending to blast and powder coat and found nothing. Literally 2-3 people inspected after sandblasting and I go to install the steering box and a tiny fissure just happens to appear as I tighten.

I've used Autofab, Ridetechs, ORD and others for braces. The C30 has an extra brace up front from factory.

Drill out the rivets on front X-member and install G8 7/16.

Make sure bumper is installed and bolts are tight.

Also, machine shops magnaflux for a reason. Not all cracks are visible with a naked eye.