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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: Engineer on March 06, 2010, 08:55:10 pm

Title: 4x4 Frame crack.
Post by: Engineer on March 06, 2010, 08:55:10 pm

Without fail every 73~87 Chevy 4x4 truck that I have seen has this crack in it's front/engine crossmember.

This picture is from my '77 K-30. It has been there every since I bought the truck when it was 10 years old.

What causes it? Stress I am sure, but what/why?

I know it doesn't hurt anything, because my frame measures out to be square, and true.

Should I weld it, or just forget about it?

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_1X-zaEfNoAQ/S5MMraNKJwI/AAAAAAAAAYo/RYcsGHbxxes/s512/FrameCrack.jpg)

Title: Re: 4x4 Frame crack.
Post by: 1984k30 on March 06, 2010, 11:50:05 pm

Not sure why it cracked but I would weld it up.  Before you weld I would drill a hole at the end of the crack to help stop it from cracking again.

Title: Re: 4x4 Frame crack.
Post by: Captkaos on March 07, 2010, 10:21:23 am

Frame stress from the Steering box turning tires.

Title: Re: 4x4 Frame crack.
Post by: Lucky73 on March 07, 2010, 03:59:20 pm

even my 2wd had cracks on the frame rail wherethe steering box mounted.