Anyone seen a frame crack here before???

[Grover 1]

Got the engine and trans out of the 78 and after a quick shot of steam look what I found on the frame.  Is this a common place for a crack?  As long as it's apart I'm going to plate the steering box area too, slight hairline crack starting there.  Frame guy says it's an easy fix so now I'm going all the way down to bare frame and power coating everything.  The daily driver keeps going deeper and deeper.  Ordered the new booster/master cylinder yesterday, it's a 7" and it's zinc in color, looks very cool.  Not trying to "copy cat" but the color has been changed to, ya you guessed it, Hugger Orange - thanks Vile

[autorepr]

Something must of happened to it.  I haven't seen it on any of my trucks.

[VileZambonie]

That looks like an easy fix. Well I wouldn't say it's copy cat since Mine is hemi orange pearl coat which is a different color. Can't wait to see it!

[Captkaos]

That is where they typically break.

[Grim 82]

A few companies make a steering box brace to prevent breakage, and they also make a repair kit for after breakage. That was relatively common on these trucks.
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/howto/3099/index.html

[BigHemi353]

i got an 87 r10 thats completely broke on the backside of the motor mount. the truck has never been in any accidents

[Swims350]

I never seen one break there, most have always been the steering box part of the frame.

However my uncle had a 73-79 gmc 4x4 that had a big crack like right between the two cab mounts on the driver's side. You could not see it with the truck sitting on the ground or jacks, but on a lift you could see it easy, plus the bed came into the cab and bent it in like 1/2 or more on both sides.

[Grover 1]

Rebuilding my upper and lower control arms shows that the bushings were totally frozen on the shafts.  Perhaps that caused the crack in the frame.  After sandblasting the frame, I see the crack around the steering box is larger than first thought.  Frame welder guy says not too worry, he has seen 4X4's that are much worse.  Should be all welded up tomorrow - I'll post some pics.  Should start to go back together soon!!!   

[Swims350]

very good possibility. That's what causes the frame to break behind the steering box is stress from turning over and over, maybe binding or having trouble. That's why most 4x4's do it worse or before 2wd's due to larger tires, and lifts, more stress.

[monkeyspunk79]

Good luck with the fix. Post pics if you can once its repaired. I'd love to see the plates installed.