Just discovered that my passenger side frame rail had cracked about 3/4 of the way through. I do not want to give up on this truck. should I weld the rail or replace it. if replace then where do I get rails?? 139" Wheelbase. new to the forum not sure how to post a picture

 

I welded mine take some pictures to show us the damage

 

Might wanna look up your local laws on frame welding, been a while since I last looked but I think in Virgina you have to make a patch and bolt it on in that area with grade 8 bolts instead of welding it. Just a penny for your thoughts. But it can be welded back if you get the right stuff and do it.

 

Weld the crack, or have a competent welder weld the crack, and fish plate weld another plate over it. I've had good results that way. If the frame is too thin in the area from rust or whatever else, this isn't going to do a bit of good though.

 

Show us some pics. My crossmember had cracked and been welded once already when I bought the truck. The weld had failed, so I cut out the thin sheet metal that the PO had reinforced it with and re-welded what I could reach without pulling the motor. No further problems with it.

About a year after that while working under the truck I saw a small crack starting in the passenger side frame rail. Drilled a hole at the end of it to relieve the stress and stop it from spreading, then vee'd the crack out and welded it. Still holding together as well.

Oh and this truck is no pavement princess either, I wheel her hard sometimes and it all holds together.

 

this is what we did at the body shop. never had one come back or fail inspection for road-ability re-certification by the state police.
and New Jersey State troopers are very strict when it comes to re-certification inspections.

 

yea its easily repairable as long as what youre welding to isn't completely destroyed. just make sure you plate it real good, long lengths with nice beads. ive even sistered entire frames on old jap stuff, just cut a 1/4" plate in the shape of the frame, cut holes all the way down for more welding surface area and burned the shop down with hours of welding.

 

Agreed 100%. If you cannot PROPERLY do it, then have someone who can do it

 

I should reiterate I had mine welded I'm a good welder but I love my truck enough to let someone else do it who is a great welder