Another frame cracking at steering gear question, 2wd

[70 beater]

This is on my 2wd '76 stepside ('75 frame). Welded up the typical cracks years ago but that repair didn't last very long. Does anyone know if the 4wd frame repair kits will work on the 2wd frames ? I know the frames are supposed to be the same, but the pictures I can find online don't confirm that, some look like the contours/dimples around the steering gear may be different. I've used the search function here, used google and asked a dealer as well, who couldn't confirm one way or the other.

Thanks,
Jon

[bake74]

     Where exactly did the frame crack ?  Is it where the steering box mounts, top only, side only, bottom or all ?  There is a kit out there that you weld onto the outside of the frame for the steering box.  It is for sale at summit I believe.

[70 beater]

From the lower bolt holes where the steering gear mounts are where the cracks are originating from. I've looked at the kit at Summit, it specifies 4wd also, unless you know of another one. Is it o.k. to post a link to the part ?

[bake74]

     Yes it is ok to post from summit here.  If it is only on the side where the box mounts, one way to fix it without buying something and if you are capable and have the means is to make a flat plate for the outside, in large the holes just enough to go over the dimples and use bigger washer on the outside.
     Or since you said you welded the cracks before, make the plate and better yet weld in it place and take out the dimples in the frame, it should not give you no more problems that way.
     As far as the 4wd working for a 2wd, I do not know, I have only built 4wd trucks in the past.  I have not compared 4wd to 2wd frames before.  But everyone says they are the same frames.

[bd]

The 4wd kits will not work on the 2wd - angles & spacing are different.

First, you need to repair the existing cracks.  Clamp the frame back into position.  Inspect closely and drill a 1/16" - 1/8" hole at the end of every crack.  V-groove the cracks and weld them up.  Make sure you get good penetration.  Dress the welds down so the frame looks original.

Since it's a repeat failure, you should fishplate the frame.  There are preformed weld-on plates for the outside of the frame next to the gearbox and the lower flange, but you will have to fabricate reinforcement for the inside of the frame, or weld in thick washers.  This will strengthen the frame, but it won't stop the strain the gearbox transfers to the frame.  Reinforcing the inside of the frame may not be necessary if you also do the subsequent steps.

Install torque arms between the gearbox mounting bolts and the middle of the center crossmember to stabilize the gear mounting. 

I just did this complete repair on my '87 R10, but haven't posted it yet.  My gearbox was held in place by only one bolt; the other three bolts had tincanned the frame and the gear would move about an inch away from the frame as I turned the wheels.  I thought the steering was getting kind of soft - I had to start herding the truck down the road!   

I fabricated my own torque arms.  I will try to post up over the next few days if time permits.  In the meantime, check out the following site.  This wasn't my truck, but could have been - cracking and damage was nearly identical!  Auto Fab markets a torque-arm kit for the two front bolts on a 2wd - I elected to build my own.

http://www.autofab.com/sbgk%20100.htm

[bigchevyc30]

idk if i can post this link here but if i cant one of the admins can remove it i looked it up and found this if it helps http://www.autofab.com/sbgk%20100.htm

[bd]

2wd weld-on frame reinforcement plate kit (other brands are available):

http://www.warriorproducts.com/catalog/other-truck-suv/undercarriage/chevy-gmc-frame-braces/

This particular kit will require additional hammer forming to fit the frame exactly, before welding into place.  Pdf instructions, below.

[bake74]

2wd weld-on frame reinforcement plate kit (other brands are available):

http://www.warriorproducts.com/catalog/other-truck-suv/undercarriage/chevy-gmc-frame-braces/

This particular kit will require additional hammer forming to fit the frame exactly, before welding into place.  Pdf instructions, below.

     I guess you have to call them for a price, or is me not being the most tech savoy that I could not find a price ?

[bd]

4 Wheel Parts (~$120):

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits-Suspensions-and-Shocks/Full-Size-Frame-Brace-by-Warrior-Products.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=101&t_pt=8672&t_pl=104273&t_pn=W%2fI899

[bd]

Frame repair thread...
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,23828.msg199078/topicseen.html#msg199078

[70 beater]

Thanks for the links guys, found all of that except for the frame repair thread in one of my google searches. Good info. Welded in washers in the original repair, it looks like these may be different cracks, it's still together so I still don't know 100% what's going on. Except for the fact that the steering gear is moving around.