my 54 4X4 has had a rough life ,the cab has cracks that run from the corner of the dash up to the starter button ..split's at the roof to window piller ,cracks in the cab mounts..I have been offered a cab to Resurrect the beast ,what can I do to protect the replacement cab ?? is it just old age ?? rough use..or mount supports that had failed over time ..I am getting new mount rubbers but is there anything I should do to improve the truck for it's next 50 years(my Grandaughter will be getting it,she's a tom boy ,and loves to ride in the monster truck) your experience ???

 

IMHO, your truck has had an unusually rough childhood, and your new cab would likely never be subjected to that kind of criminal abuse. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it. Just put it together with the proper mounts you're going to do and enjoy the drive.

 

Ken have you looked the frame over real well? I'm thinking if your cab is stressed that much your frame could be cracked as well. Just my thoughts

 

Also check the front cab mounts that are riveted to the frame, they will also crack and cause that side of the cabe to sag. While I was changing my frame I noticed that one of the cab mounts was cracked which I could move back & forth with effort.

 

I have to agree with both 52 Merc and teddy...if the PO did in fact run the truck hard then that would have stressed the chassis a lot. jaye makes a good point as well, the front cab mount wings are very susceptible to damage in the form of stress cracks.
If the chassis checks out, then you should be fine with the new cab and new rubber in the mounts.

 

I have a cab from a f600 gravel truck that has stress cracks as well, not as bad as what you have decribed as the only effected area is in the firewall and up into the cowl. I've seen this repaired by drilling holes along the crack and plug welded to strengthen the area rather than just trying to weld the crack itself. You will in no way be putting your truck through the abuse it has seen in it's previous life, at least we hope not, so you should be okay.

 

well ,I found cracks in the supports and the rubber mounts are like rock .or missing compleatly ..so I have my work cut out for me..