Frame flex near steering gearbox???

[Matt69olds]

I just replaced a pitman arm on dads 81 2wd 1/2 ton GMC. I had my son jerk the wheel back and forth to inspect the rest of the steering system, I can see lots of frame flex at the gearbox. I have heard of 4x4 trucks cracking the frame in that area, I wasn’t aware the 2wd have the same concern. While the frame isn’t cracked, it appears the rivets that hold the crossover brace do move a bit. I can see a small ring around the rivet head. What’s the fix?

 

[C10MixMaster]

I just replaced a pitman arm on dads 81 2wd 1/2 ton GMC. I had my son jerk the wheel back and forth to inspect the rest of the steering system, I can see lots of frame flex at the gearbox. I have heard of 4x4 trucks cracking the frame in that area, I wasn’t aware the 2wd have the same concern. While the frame isn’t cracked, it appears the rivets that hold the crossover brace do move a bit. I can see a small ring around the rivet head. What’s the fix?

not sure about the fix on the rivets but my 76 2wd had the frame crack at the steering box.

 

[dvdswan]

Take out the rivets and replace with grade 8 bolts. Clean up the holes, paint, and reinstall the bracket. Salty roads are taking their toll.

 

[bucket]

Take out the rivets and replace with grade 8 bolts. Clean up the holes, paint, and reinstall the bracket. Salty roads are taking their toll.

Yep.

It would be best to drill out the holes to 7/16" and not only use grade 8 hardware, but use bolts with washer heads, along with washer-head lock nuts.

 

[Itali83]

I too have had a cracked 2wd frame at the box. But it was from a loose rivet on the front crossmember that allowed the frame to flex. Over time it cracked the frame. Like everyone else said, remove rivets and put bolts in there.

Ben