Cracked Frame Question

[78shortandwide]

The frame above the back axle is cracked. I'm gonna patch it, my question is what would be the best way? Should i just weld a piece of flat metal on the outside of the frame. box the frame, or do both? If you know of a better way im all ears. ...........Ill get a pic of the crack after work today.

 

[foamypirate]

The frame above the back axle is cracked. I'm gonna patch it, my question is what would be the best way? Should i just weld a piece of flat metal on the outside of the frame. box the frame, or do both? If you know of a better way im all ears. ...........Ill get a pic of the crack after work today.

I would try to do a fish plate it if possible.

Basically cut out a diamond shaped plate, and then you weld the perimeter to the frame rail. I imagine you could also drill a few holes in the frame around the cracked area and plug weld to the plate as well.

Here is an example. The little "tails" are to prevent cracking at the edge of the plate, I believe:

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[89Suburban]

 

[Old77]

Let me take a seat and learn a little bit from this thread This should be very good...

 

[89Suburban]

Let me take a seat and learn a little bit from this thread This should be very good...

Move over, my popcorn.

 

[78shortandwide]

ive seen and heard that cutting the end of the metal like a dogs mouth works good too. Any one tried this or seen it?

 

[crazy4offroad]

Whatever the width of the side of the frame is, the patch should be at least twice as long as that measurement. I have seen the "fish" style, made like the one on top. I would weld the crack in the frame, grind it down level so your patch sits flush, then weld it on. I do like the holes you plug with weld, it really does make it stronger.

 

[Old77]

Move over, my popcorn.

 

[Old77]

Whatever the width of the side of the frame is, the patch should be at least twice as long as that measurement. I have seen the "fish" style, made like the one on top. I would weld the crack in the frame, grind it down level so your patch sits flush, then weld it on. I do like the holes you plug with weld, it really does make it stronger.

 

[89Suburban]

Ok, here,

 

[Old77]

 

[78shortandwide]

Here are the pics of the crack

 

[89Suburban]

Damn, that's freaky.

 

[crazy4offroad]

That's in a tough spot if you wanted to plate the side, you would have to try to make it work around the shock mount and still have clearance for the shock. You should wire wheel the crack up the side of the frame and see how far it travelled. You should also look inside the frame and see if there is a better option of plating it there (doubt it but you might be able to work around the wiring). A plate on the bottom will be a must too, following the contour of the frame.

 

[78shortandwide]

the crack goes about an inch above the hole and goes all the way across the bottom except for about a half inch