Frame has a crack...need some help
#1
Frame has a crack...need some help
I'm buying a 1989 F-150 stepside reg cab. Has 302, 5 speed, 6" lift with 35" tires.
The current owner did a front end conversion to the 1993 fenders/hood/headlights. Looks pretty sharp for 20 yrs old.
Right infront of the Power steering on the drivers side, there is a 4" crack in the frame. Only on one side, not all the way through.
Just wondering how hard this would be to fix?
any ideas? is my plan stupid?
Thanks.
The current owner did a front end conversion to the 1993 fenders/hood/headlights. Looks pretty sharp for 20 yrs old.
Right infront of the Power steering on the drivers side, there is a 4" crack in the frame. Only on one side, not all the way through.
Just wondering how hard this would be to fix?
I want to weld the actual crack, and then I'm thinking of using 1/4" plate to cover that section. Then using some more 1/4" plate and inserting inside the frame rail, then bolting that to the stuff welded outside.
In effect, I'd cover, then sandwhich the cracked section between 2 solid chunks of steel
Normally I'd be scared off from this purchase. But...In effect, I'd cover, then sandwhich the cracked section between 2 solid chunks of steel
It runs pretty good
If I can't fix it, the 6" lift, new 35" tires are worth some money
and the best part is that the guy only wants $600.
If I can't fix it, the 6" lift, new 35" tires are worth some money
and the best part is that the guy only wants $600.
any ideas? is my plan stupid?
Thanks.
#3
#5
I would say it should be good if you weld it up and bolt the 1/4" plate up on each side. The price of the truck is right, so I would probably buy it, make your repair and see what happens. This truck will probably have some problems, as it has obviously been driven hard, but if its not going to be your only ride it will most likely be alright.
#6
thanks. this will be my weekend warriar. I have a 06 FX4 for my Daily Driver. I've been looking for something cheap to wheel and just got lucky today...except for the crack anyways.
it only needs to make it about 20 miles to the wheeling spot, go wheeling and then 20 miles back home...and my 06 can get anywhere the 89 can go, so retrieval wouldn't be a problem
I think the bumper is one of those that you find on the 96 F-150's...you know, the ones that were used on the F-250/350 diesel and somehow ended up on the 96 models
the gap looks about right anyways
it only needs to make it about 20 miles to the wheeling spot, go wheeling and then 20 miles back home...and my 06 can get anywhere the 89 can go, so retrieval wouldn't be a problem
I think the bumper is one of those that you find on the 96 F-150's...you know, the ones that were used on the F-250/350 diesel and somehow ended up on the 96 models
the gap looks about right anyways
#7
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#8
#9
Very common on the Chebbys with larger tires. They make kits to reinforce that are for the Chebbys, not sure about the Fords. Yeah, definitely fixable, lot's of trucks on the road with that area repaired.
Just welding the crack won't be good enough. You'll want to reinforce that area. Not that the weld will be weak, but the area beside welds will be and it will crack again.
My buddy has an 89 Chebby full size Blazer w/ 35's. It's been repaired, reinforced, and we put a kit on it that ties the frame in that area with the cross member to form a triangle for strength.
Oh, cool looking truck by the way
Just welding the crack won't be good enough. You'll want to reinforce that area. Not that the weld will be weak, but the area beside welds will be and it will crack again.
My buddy has an 89 Chebby full size Blazer w/ 35's. It's been repaired, reinforced, and we put a kit on it that ties the frame in that area with the cross member to form a triangle for strength.
Oh, cool looking truck by the way
#11
Thats a hell of a steal for 600 bucks! For that kind of cash, you could always take it to a frame repair shop and at least see what they say.
I think your original idea is great though, I dont see why that wouldnt work just fine. Just make sure you get a good welder to weld for you, or if your doing it, make sure ya know how to weld!
I think your original idea is great though, I dont see why that wouldnt work just fine. Just make sure you get a good welder to weld for you, or if your doing it, make sure ya know how to weld!
#12
#13
update:
went to pick up the truck this morning with a tow dolly. guy sold it out from under me last night. Somebody offered him $800 and he took it.
Can't say I blame him for taking the extra $$$, but he could have at least given me a call to see if I would have matched it.
now I've got to redo my searches for a cheap wheeling truck
thanks for the replies though.
went to pick up the truck this morning with a tow dolly. guy sold it out from under me last night. Somebody offered him $800 and he took it.
Can't say I blame him for taking the extra $$$, but he could have at least given me a call to see if I would have matched it.
now I've got to redo my searches for a cheap wheeling truck
thanks for the replies though.