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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: Mike Phillips on April 28, 2017, 10:01:30 AM

Title: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: Mike Phillips on April 28, 2017, 10:01:30 AM
Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy  Silverado

Ugh...

This is why I don't like "buying" someone else's build and prefer to build my own trucks.

Looks like there was a crack in the frame and instead of starting by fixing the crack they just patched over it.

So now I get to do it right the second time.

Pulled the motor to access the inside of the frame.  Cleaned up 30 years of grime with Oven Cleaner and today I meet with my welder buddy to make the repair.

Here's a couple of pics...

This is the outside patch- looks like they cut off a mirror image section of frame off another truck and welded it to the outside of the frame on my truck.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170428/2526dd1cfbf7b852a4b006cc1a631ec1.jpg)

Here's the problem though- the never addressed the actual crack and it's grown.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170428/ef3fe7d6e2af01c78d4d6f35ae2f9c98.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170428/1733a929f0cf2abd93d4f8fe7a477319.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170428/681314831558f2ee8e612f559c1f4a9c.jpg)

I'll update with the repair.

Note to self - never buy - always build.

:)



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: Mike Phillips on April 28, 2017, 10:03:34 AM
My favorite degreaser!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170428/40e599a4f1ed5d769bd013c63042f433.jpg)

Just be sure to wear the appropriate eye and skin protection.

:)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: blazer74 on April 28, 2017, 06:09:42 PM
Went to the trouble of making a nice patch repair and never finished it correctly.
Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: VileZambonie on April 28, 2017, 07:05:23 PM
Yeah wear a mask too with that crap.

Looks like a pretty easy fix. You'll be good in no time.
Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: Mike Phillips on April 28, 2017, 07:32:21 PM
Did some more cleaning and removed a bracket in front of the crossmember and took these pictures.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170429/0a143a16e5cf7ed9976639b8af4f3b2e.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170429/6515bedda66354718a745c87920efb6b.jpg)

In front of the crossmember

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170429/dad707a7fd9b251f88bcc7e5c98683ce.jpg)

Close-up

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170429/0a0be0a5d3756ee13d59eaa4a2cdabbc.jpg)

Me today...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170429/8e462c35e002ec53f2f286a44fb98e71.jpg)

:)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: FlatBlack77 on April 28, 2017, 07:32:57 PM
probably would have been a half decent repair if they would have drill holes at the end of the crack to stop it from getting worse
Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: 1967KaiserM715 on April 29, 2017, 05:52:43 AM
I'm going to recommend the steering box brace from ORD or FabWorks. OR if your handy with angles and welding you could make your own.


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Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: Mike Phillips on May 14, 2017, 09:42:30 AM
Return led to this project yesterday.  Need to move the front crossmember out of the way for my friend Robbie DiTerlizzi to get in there and do some welding.

Here's my friend Rob torching out the rivets.  Rob worked as a car dismantler for 10 years.  He's an artist with a torch.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170514/5d1d875639f25611d153e007a54b5cb3.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170514/ee4456b52f2eb3eb900c7819ef6932bd.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170514/b7e498d80d1d6b9fb8085af812df4044.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170514/5dfea32ab3becd0a09e435850305db81.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170514/ce3807bac5bb34f5d27d33e51ddb1632.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170514/693f52fe82dc26dda1a8ee6741f2ecdc.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170514/3c8f0a720cbf70ad7fe692c443801ba3.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170514/e1f078bdad091d753d8421662c689f02.jpg)

Then a little air chiseling...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170514/78816a1deb7742f4daa9de79f6ad15ce.jpg)


Crossmember out of the way...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170514/6cd84ff525ebd4928e85390f7a8effdf.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170514/aa479a09943213a9f532906e5c589c1a.jpg)

:)


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Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: Mike Phillips on June 03, 2017, 07:40:10 AM

I'm going to recommend the steering box brace from ORD or FabWorks.


Ordered the brace from FabWorks, will share some pics of the install today.

:)

Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: Mike Phillips on June 04, 2017, 12:00:43 PM
Done.

Brackets are installed.  I took enough pictures showing the entire process.  If the Mod like I can put together a full write-up on the project.

Couple of pics...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/04ba5101f2cbec7b4755b118ba39c3c7.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/ab4906cdcae97967fe78a4f99278f98e.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/1e123ce6ef9a664a1f9b5cca348fb47a.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/38ba9a6f38bec24014510849aaa4ec4d.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/8804e92dbb0dddb902e725c225cd27d7.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/82439876ad62b2c26f60ada7a3892486.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/82cc05e563b7f9b61116731decbe0e58.jpg)


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/d4c757957dd26595913d2459f302fa8b.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/cd32feac4c747e0346f0819dbae16a53.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/a5f550779aca6cedbc95d807f3cd6102.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/8033e615a09433e279a36b9fcaf17d82.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/8e91b8379820b140b4c4b4aef521c7bc.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/a60e48a7a089baa0825c8a1362697fa9.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/3a7ee09749e25a68faa5882feb262f07.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/1c76f40b52d9264a715a47e23f0eaee4.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/f9d9653d8a7a0fb6bd419f74397bae7d.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/ecd9fa30fb0250b3849b6bb90667d9fb.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/580dc7d96fdcb61a607777b0def355cd.jpg)


Time to put the motor back in...

:)


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Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: Irish_Alley on June 04, 2017, 12:38:10 PM
lots and lots of pictures, nice. this will make a good write up. stickied for now
Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: bd on June 04, 2017, 02:03:01 PM
Mike, great job!

I recommend that if you haven't already done so, create sufficient clearance between the brake line and brace, so there is no possibility of rub-through...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/f9d9653d8a7a0fb6bd419f74397bae7d.jpg)



I also recommend that you replace the front, short bracket lower attaching bolts with Grade 8 flange bolts and torque prevailing Grade 8 flange nuts...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170604/82cc05e563b7f9b61116731decbe0e58.jpg)

Looking forward to your completed write up.
Title: Re: Cracked in frame - 1987 Chevy Silverado
Post by: ehjorten on March 27, 2019, 09:25:47 AM
One thing to note...if you have an oil cooler, you will want to clearance the bottom flange of the large brace, where the oil cooler lines come through the crossmember.  there is heavy interference with the oil cooler lines.  I made a write-up about it and sent it to ORD, from where I got my brace kit, but never heard anything back as far as improvements to the product.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/hjBq0rnCE82EHkUgcBzk_BHPG5ozPPrZzzIct9MbDG9e-NdXV49eQ7vdYCnHvUKa0Vm0Vj0MsbB_nd1aHiNUswWLvLZkDa6gSFKi8XZiDw3v3VmzUJNB4du6Rl7Q6EsWukt2j6k-XP-nLhaFFBLvqSnoWlPvG_3F7xwTm7MbTP4Bftqy0PuE7lqQ7MPk-mG1Fkl03-JdUmLxU7F-DFVOHueh2C_IilLxlSMXLFmjl6KgC8LNWumx6RZwbLGbd7IhH8bjJcEoum8LyMSrg7BO_MRzcFp9Y4-crJPgZ2LfVCfz21f9pUwashv-u7ZG43RQNpLCoby8hE_2r-rp288VoYiyUtPK4eauxr7AW6ghlC2XJvEafw_Tgm165mDgM3kFbrywi3REZr5Hw41qhECElnK0EZmqLFaF7t3WUyks9zCP_gpN8AQFhdSnN9xrwOp8TC8sYIA-KJqf1cA2LG9IJEVDvlVU2JUqEyWIDuacA-tybvNl3puFM7l1RRcvM9vdMingsphQeu5rSW-UrpoZoCxsu7Hmc2pCtawVRcTCSXDbO8zQGndnnu3PuZK-8ZRbyYTl6Oy3wLR1nfwm8M4BY0tNR4rqakg4EtPqVpaNId6sAyN4vTib8-gf90GFaiBMueZoXs6tAN5DJfAjxuskW_iLkYwG_qAUOv9IRD_699WjwPDdVgfJw3R4iDUgtywCC8gTIQ3j68B5gkHXURRoixJW=w1165-h868-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/S9em0kgh7vUK3pkazcjJkVb2C8TEd9lbClbFmLQniEQjKkPWY8Qab1Ov7qzPV3FYpjXg2-ws-XGW5TwLLCFByIzSANe7tdvmdHCSoFZn7O9oXdFbHMuW3b1opi7VLyRmZChi0rO8bP8bmeb3DKKK4H1FfYIEjAWSkcltusSEMOSJo3iGQzqFltSxJrzUCJCNZvg5vIR64b8UCRpRmMz-uvuV7lbh3gnZru8kWvrzWGw0RAj9fjFy1A0KKuzY7yMVw2MGTogkClp-e4dI4hN56klrk7wQL1hq-shW9dIBPA1vJEW8dsIzr_ojVUT8xjjW5IGtBEHmSTil1tYhBzEHPkz4MtWQuZ4ndhx3fgcY9vdFLsMkBlspoIzWnXz0Rt0GIgjkYFf-BUG-u2LiGAJwdbhCvX379frorvgG87iywBx-Fy4A4-1gnLCB5xUdgHNvsxLGloUS5DOODDtz-KkeVx7lulXNJTG6I36q7qhnctPRFqGFmT_mj4Dp-6NOqzGW2hFp42aeOSEqrHWNpxs4WzYfKmwhhwgSFo2SRjtsr91VLr2YlGQUYMtrltJUh_8ur6tLzn4stXFZGRYelrORjVvb229b2SOw2sUdPaPKcbD02iYU6YS1zNymDLHsg-t24ggrLBjAjBZd351vw5cUZJ7NDDAGUknLIZPsQDr2NS5wnF5-0BeJJQNRHFyr7DoPTIcYyS3jQiO_WwFm1uJkCGtD=w1164-h871-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/EnrmhGaxIpk7awdcV0o0yVmfOXq1rAfT1JdUV2NKPjK5id1UXFi636E0ChKydxMRhYokQf4T4-M1EFEx_zhDsh7T8dnojZQAVP60Q7OFmYP2CR3B6nikhbTv-cfvAseUjMDb3WvqDJyhazlSmYYLSSNoDHo5T6ZA8ZdPYNXWAlqzV34q4n_MieTeaZSWezxUobx4O8pW_zAj5XQRsGcuPQbU_JLxjhkFDy8k9f0BrfPH_VuMaXz2p3BqJFFoZDO8SdrbGFtXpSlqYSYmcd33AS8GWu8sHxsxEZOv-DMD9fLBxjzYmA6o0ae5ZUQXDR9mlze4ufn_2aKFhokbhwkaJbqLP2RQN8ZbG2fIwD6ugcgQ-cXBMCZ1HCBAPmbKWYM-vyc_TdEda5154bt3Yc1z6jye7xCzTYQa3xq0Rm2ItzkCEG4mBvImyWfnVTrRDFsBkPuQAiycMLbA-Y2BVUcTPamV06xEHSFLe7thT8JtLv5Io4aCy7_l73KgS1_k0xXHXL1QuSmalUGGLn3D0fA6oA8I3RtpoXvGFFbrS6BUZWKXhkkK0qE8NC-N2_bMZcvgfCW9whyhDyGLZhQRneKiqJqDMweV9dnqfouPth4poOjXrWCIiuzRqQJoDmuracivn6Ajt1zaJncGvtRs9COjAimmR-MLVzJFP-DDlWsIo0QUc_4rIkCAzMmlZ6cGMYeA2pE6axxmYI57PtSEnCjgcHSw=w1164-h871-no)