K5 Frame Crack Honest Opinion

[K5Rob]

I know the K5 frames like to crack by the steering box. I read something like “they are all cracked” or “if it isnt cracket yet, it will be”.

Well, mine isn’t cracked. At least i cant see any cracks and I have looked damn close. I know i should just get the plate kit but I am also from the conservative school of thought when it comes to projects. Truck is 40 years old, is it really going to crack at this point? I dont wheel it and it was bought in an urban state that would be possible that it ever saw little to no off roading.

So honest opinions. Is it really a big deal to brace these things. I also enjoy peace of mind so another idea is to get the kit but installing it could wait till it is more convenient to do so. What are your guys thoughts?

 

[Blue Ox]

If it's really not cracked I wouldn't do the weld-on plate. But there is a brace kit that bolts on that I would definitely do.

Not sure if this is the original, but they look like this:

Steering Box Braces & Frame Repair - Steering

www.offroaddesign.com

 

[TotalyHucked]

If it's not obviously cracked, I wouldn't necessarily put yourself in a rush to get a brace kit installed. But I certainly would put one in at some point. I've seen plenty of 2wd C10s with cracked frames in the same spot, let alone a K5 on oversized tires. It's certainly worth the work for the peace of mind

 

[Snoots]

Better to have it and not need it, than wish you had've done it. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Frankenchevy]

Is it going to be a resto original?

Neither my Burb or my K30 are cracked either. I’ll probably brace them at some point because I have no aspirations of concours restorations.

 

[Ricko1966]

I think If I were going to run stock size tires I wouldn't worry but wider tires make the steering box work harder. If I had wider tires,I'd reinforce a known weak spot.

 

[Zelph]

You absolutely want to install the bolt in brace.
It’s not difficult to install, and you can at this point loctite the steering gearbox bolts. A lot of cracked frames are the result of loose steering gear bolts.
The bolt in brace will stiffen the area and you will feel it through the steering wheel, a nice improvement.

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

Edit. Not all cracks are clearly visible. A penetrate dye is the only sure way to know. You might be surprised.

 

[ali_c20]

My K5 frame is not cracked and I installed the Offroad Design bracket to be safe. I run 32" tires.
I also put the 2wd bracket in my C20.
It's a cheap insurance as steel gets "tired" with usage. Doesn't matter which brand for normal usage.
Quick way to find cracks: fire up the truck and have someone steer from left too right. Watch the frame (inside and outside) around the steering box closely with good lighting. The cracks will open up under movement.
Don't get any body parts in the way or between of moving steering components or tires ; )

 

[FastJacks87]

I actually just installed the Ridetech frame brace kit this past weekend on my squarebody. In addition to providing support for the power steering box, it triangulates the front frame rails to the crossmember, so there are additional benefits with firming up the trucks handling. Summit had a $20 off special going on last I checked.

 

[Fastduramax]

I have a brand new ORD brace powder coated silver never installed if you’re interested

 

[89GMCJimmy]

Steel frames can weaken over time due to fatigue, which is caused by repeated stress cycles like loading and unloading or impacts road vibration cause microscopic cracks to form and grow over time. do the the brace

 

[idahovette]

^^^^^^^^^^Sorry I can't read this sh!t????^^^^^^^^^^

 

[zx672]

ORD makes great stuff, I would put the brace on and not worry about it.

 

[PerriB]

The off road design kit is better than the plate that welds to the existing frame. Using the PCS steering boost kit eliminates frame breakage. This is what we have been doing since the early 80s. Boxing the frame from front to back to under the cab. Dom tubing to spread the load to both sides. 56" front springs, This is going from 2wd to 4wd, ls 5.3 4l60, late model passenger drop t case. Dana 44, 14 bolt. (couldn't find a decent priced Dana 60) 5.13 gears ,Grizzly lockers. The bent tubing is copying an Off road Designs engine mount. Note the opened up wheel openings no need to raise the center of gravity. I'm 67 this is probably the last one.

 

[K5Rob]

Thanks guys. Think i will just go with the bracket for now if i can find one reasonably priced