73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: dirtbikinover40 on August 14, 2012, 11:07:28 am
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Hey guys...I'm a new member to this site, so this question has probably been addressed before. I'm in the process of restoring my 86 1/2 ton 2wd chevy short wide. I have it stripped down to the frame and just completed painting it. I noticed when bolting the steering box back on, that there is a crack around one of the bolt holes in the frame. I been looking for a bolt in frame brace kit for it, but they seem to be for a 4wd. Will these work on my 2wd, and should the crack be welded. What has been the best fix for u guys?
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Welcome to the site!
The 2WD and 4WD kits are different. AutoFab makes a bolt-on brace kit for the 2WD. And, Warrior Products makes a weld-on frame rail plate for the 2WD. Either way, if frame cracks have started to develop, you'll need to repair them before installing a kit, or the cracks will continue to grow.
Take a look at this thread and the embedded links...
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,23828.0.html (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,23828.0.html)
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(http://) The reason I wanted a bolt in kit is because I cant weld, but I can get someone to weld it for me. I uploaded a pic to show that mine is not as bad as the one in the thread u posted. So, drill the ends of the crack with 1/16th bit, grind in a taper along the crack, weld it up, then purchase the weld in reinforcement plate from warrior? Is this plate already pre-formed to the frames contour...or do u have to hammer form it like the thread has said?
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Welding a cracked or broken vehicle frame should be performed only by someone who is suitably experienced with this type of repair. The consequences of a poor repair can be catastrophic!
Make sure you find the very end of the cracks and drill 1/6" to 1/8" through-holes to stop the cracks from propagating any further. "V" the cracks and weld for complete penetration, then grind/sand the welds down to the original height of the surrounding steel. When your done, both sides of the frame should appear as though it was never damaged.
You absolutely should go the extra step of stabilizing the gearbox mounting. If you haven't installed taller/wider steer tires and you're not running a big block, the bolt-on brace kit from AutoFab may be adequate with no further investment needed. You can always call AutoFab and question them.
If you decide to use a weld-on reinforcement plate, Warrior is not the only company to market a plate - and, yes, the plates are preformed. However, the plate should fit the frame like a glove beneath the steering gear, so as not to interfere with gearbox mounting (there's very little spare room around the gearbox mounting bosses - proper fit is crucial). Nearly all available repair plates will need some hammer work to make them fit correctly. I cannot over stress the need to check the fit and clearance of the plate between the gearbox and frame, carefully. In addition, before the plate is welded on, it should be sandwiched between the gearbox and the frame rail, with the gearbox bolts torqued to spec; this ensures the frame takes the shape of the gearbox housing to avoid distortion of the steering gear case. Remember, by installing a plate you will be almost doubling the thickness of the frame in this area, making the frame far more rigid.
I think the ultimate repair, though unnecessary for many and subject to opinion, is to install both kits.
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Thanks for all your info and your time. I ordered the brace from Autofab today but I'm scared to death about welding the frame. I have a friend that will weld it up for me that is a certified welder, but I dont think he has ever had any experience welding on a automobile frame. If I get the Warrior weld in plate, and he ends up doing something wrong, with all the welding that is required, then I could end up with a real mess on my hands. I'm thinking that I will prep the crack like you have explained, have it welded by my friend, then put the brace on it. I would like to have the warrior plate installed, but dont have any idea who would be able to do this in the area that I live. I did find that the front crossmember rivet closest to the steering box was not tight anymore allowing the frame to twist when steering. I drilled it out and got a grade 8 bolt in there now. After I get the brace installed I will keep an eye out for any new cracks, and make sure it dosent do it again. Thanks again!
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A confident certified welder should do a fine job of welding your frame, and installing the 'Warrior' plate, as well. The hardest part is getting the plate to fit the frame correctly - welding it is easy (you can download instructions from the Warrior Products website). Your frame repair isn't a difficult job, it's just not a wise choice for someone learning to weld and/or not familiar with manipulating steel, or who isn't somewhat knowledgeable on the causes of structural failures in metal. Stress risers need to be minimized so the frame doesn't focus stress to the point of strain.
Nevertheless, the Autofab brace may be more than adequate for your application. After all is said and done, "It's just nuts and bolts." Don't be afraid of the repair, just use your better judgement in its solution. :)