2WD cracked steering box area/frame repair kit?

[82ChebySWB]

Good afternoon guys, I've encountered the same issue that alot of 4WD trucks run into...thier frames crack right around the steering box area. My truck is an '82 1/2 ton SWB ...... the previous owner ran some 22's on this truck so I have no doubt that probably is the contributing factor to my current problem.

Does anyone know of a site or individual who sells a weld in frame repair kit for a 4WD??

Some please post if you can help me out....

THANKS,

Brian

[Captkaos]

http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/steeringkit.htm

[82ChebySWB]

http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/steeringkit.htm

On that page that kit is listed for a 4WD....though it does say this in the tech info area:

While the 2wd trucks use the same steering box bolt pattern, the frame contours are enough different that it can be a LOT of work to make the frame repair kit work.

Now there's this kit on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290324470313&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I emailed the seller of that auction a couple weeks back and he did tell me that he has a "weld in" repair kit just like that auction...but it's a 2WD version like I need-----but it's $120 shipped because there's not as much demand for the kit. Question is though, looking at the pics...it appears as if both kits look the same........


So should I just grab one of these kits and hope for the best fit??? OR is there REALLY a 2WD kit available?

[VileZambonie]

Why not just trace the frame and make a template and cut your own piece?

[Captkaos]

Every frame rail on either 4x4 or 4x2 are identical.  That is why it is possible to convert a 4x4 to 4x2 and vice versa.

Not the best pic, but here is my 2WD frame
http://www.captkaoscustoms.com/images/beginfrtsuspr.jpg

Here is a 4x4 frame from CK5:
http://www.coloradok5.com/ordframebrace/P1010005.jpg

[82ChebySWB]

Why not just trace the frame and make a template and cut your own piece?

Sure, that would easily take care of one side........but then how would you propose to take care of the other plate which has stamped contours to match the frame???

I'm not beyond fabrication.....but I'm not about to "hillbilly" something either.......


Thanks for the clarification Capt.  I greatly appreciate it.....

[VileZambonie]

Weld up the cracks and put the plate on the inside unless the thing is absolutely toast.

[82ChebySWB]

Weld up the cracks and put the plate on the inside unless the thing is absolutely toast.

To be honest, it's TOAST. I'd feel much safer when racing if I actually "sandwiched" the entire frame,welded the plates, and etc.

When I actually get to doing the repairs I'll post pics for yall......  I want to drive my truck BADLY....but I'm just scared to after my last outing.....  It's just not worth the gamble without fixing it.

[Captkaos]

The repair kit goes on the outside of the frame on both the steering side and the bottom of the frame.

[VileZambonie]

Just wrap some zip ties around it  lol

[SUX2BU99]

Duct tape, JB Weld and yer good to go. Git 'er dun.

[82ChebySWB]

Just wrap some zip ties around it  lol

Yeah, I thought about using some JB Weld,super glue gel, and duct tape too.....but I doubt those would work for this particular application...... LMFAO.....

[VileZambonie]

My buddy came pulling into my work one day in his 77K10, turned into the parking lot and the steering box broke clean off the frame and he crashed into a huge planter, spilled a 5 gal pail of floor glue in his bed and ripped his wheel well out. He stuck a few chunks of metal between the frame and gear box and drove like that for 2 more years! lol