I was out wheeling Saturday, and as I tried to put my drivers side tire up over an obstacle, I heard this terrible sound. I backed up, and noticed that the 4wd was still working fine. So I checked it when I got home. My '81 has an extra support bracket welded inside the frame to create more strength. Well, all the rocks here in AZ finally decided to crack that bracket from the bottom, about half way up. What is the best solution? Should I just weld up the crack on both sides, or do I need to add some more steel?

While we're on this subject, what can I do to beef up the steering linkage on the TTB?

 

I would look for kits, I know some companies sell a plate to beef up the Chevy steering box mount. I think some make them for Ford. If I was you I would just weld on some more steel to reinforce it thats esentially what the kits come with. A cut piece of steel that you weld on to beef up that area of the frame. I would look at bulletproof steering for beefy steering linkages. It aint cheap but if your in the rocks alot it may be worth it.

 

Ford do sell steering box to frame reinforcement kit. I do not have the part number or price.

either way it is your choice to get one from Ford or aftermarket.

Good Luck.

 

If your handy with fab its pretty simple to make a plate and weld it up yourself. You can box that area but it will cause extra stress on the frame before and after the box. I'd just weld and plate.

 

Thanks Pro, that's kind of what I was planning on doing.



BTW, truck looks good in black.

 

Thanks Lucas. You can always bolt the plate to your frame with grade 8 hardware too, if your not comfortable with welding it in. Truth is though, you can weld on your frame without fatiguing it provided you take the necessary steps such as preheating and shot peening the welds to relieve the stress risors. We ususally don't see this problem near as much as the chivy boys...

 

I have seen this on the 1980+ F150 trucks many times.

 

gee this sounds awfully familiar, lol. if you put hydro assist on your truck it will alleviate a LOT of stress off the box and reinforcment will not be required. a ram is only about $85 and the hoses are another $50 or so depending on who you know, lol. i am about to do this for my rig.

-cutts-

 

hows that going btw fishy?

 

I wasn't aware that:

A) Ford made trucks after '79

and,

B) You can get them in a less than 3/4 ton flavor.

I need to get out more

 

it's going. i am still researching getting all my facts together and then later this week i will start ordering parts and what not

-cutts-

 

Make sure you post pictures and stuff for all of us curious types.

 

o trust me i will, i can't wait!

i don't think i mentioned in the midst of my steering issues, i am also doing a shackle reversal while my baby is down so she will be a lot different on the road next time she gets pulled out of the garage!

-cutts-