Hi all!
I'm new to the site but not new to these trucks. Nearly twenty years ago, I bought my 1983 GMC K20 from my father and have been seriuously hooked on these trucks all of my life.
A couple years ago I found a sweet 1987 V30 dumptruck and added it to the fleet. Since I used to drive my fathers '86, I have always wanted a dually dump for a work truck (another toy). It is a 4x4, diesel, auto (th400) and has been partially restored by the former owner and used as a salt truck. He put new sheet metal on it, a replacement cab and cheap coat of paint. But it looks pretty nice from 30 ft away. The rear suspension and frame are still pretty good, but getting crusty.
It was orginally used by a municipality and plowed snow. The plow hit a catch bassin once and folded the frame up at the engine cross member onthe pasenger side. The town welded a patch plate over the outside web of the frame and continued to run the truck until auctioning it to the previous owener. I noticed the patch when I bought it, but it seemed to look OK and the truck handled fine.
Afew months ago I took the truck out and expereinced the famed "death wobble". Thinking it was more related to the old front axle, I expected to have to replace the kingpin parts on the D60. And while chasing an un-related fuel leak, I found the crack in the patch plate. It is complelty cracked through the bottom flange of the frame (spread about 1/8") and the crack travels up the frame web about halfway.
From another thread here, I see that this is common. I plan on having a welder come out and fix the truck , but with the amount of corrosion on the rear half, I'm tempted to see if I can find a replacement frame. Anyone know of a source? Price?
Thanks!
Leo
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