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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: p7387 on November 18, 2008, 11:58:01 pm

Title: 87 short fleet - rusty front end question
Post by: p7387 on November 18, 2008, 11:58:01 pm

the frame and body on my 87 short fleet are reasonably solid. however i had a chance to put it up on a lift and the only thing i saw which concerns me is that the control arms/main cross member have that flakey surface rust. i do not think it is bad enough to compromise the structural integrity of the front end. being that the truck is fairly clean otherwise i wanted to fix it up nice but i do not want to pump a lot of money into something that has a front end that could possibly weaken in a few years. if need be can these front ends be replaced? any opinions would be appreciated.

thank you

Title: Re: 87 short fleet - rusty front end question
Post by: VileZambonie on November 19, 2008, 10:25:50 am

Yes they can be replaced. Just remove the scale and if they're are not rotted through or brittle paint them

Title: Re: 87 short fleet - rusty front end question
Post by: 87GMC2WD on November 19, 2008, 04:40:59 pm

i noticed that on my 87 as well. i have a hole in the upper a arm and the cross member too. started out flaky but when i tried to scrape it off i discovered a hole. where can you get those cross members becuase everywhere ive looked doesnt have them, like   and stuff like that

Title: Re: 87 short fleet - rusty front end question
Post by: p7387 on November 22, 2008, 09:31:43 am

thank you

in the event it is needed where would i look to buy these parts and what would the appx cost of installation including labor be as this is work that is beyond my abilities.

the truck is otherwise good and i would like to know what to expect before i sink good money into the body/mechanical.

thanks

Title: Re: 87 short fleet - rusty front end question
Post by: Captkaos on November 22, 2008, 09:42:50 pm

You can get the parts relatively cheap at a salvage yard.  I could get a whole crossmember out to the brakes for $100.  I think I got a control arm for a buddy for $15

Title: Re: 87 short fleet - rusty front end question
Post by: p7387 on November 23, 2008, 01:46:55 am

thanks
is it strictly a bolt on piece or is there some welding required. is this a piece that was meant to be replaced or is replacement a very difficult job?

thanks

Title: Re: 87 short fleet - rusty front end question
Post by: Captkaos on November 23, 2008, 07:55:12 pm

unless the problem is with the frame the whole front crossmember unbolts.  Depending on where it was on the crossmember, I wouldn't worry about it.

Can you post a pic?