I'm restoring a 1988 F-150 4x4 and have major rust problems on the frame. This is one of the most unusual jobs I've encountered --- the body has not one bit of rust on it ANYWHERE, yet the frame is in pretty bad shape.

I just finished the front frame box and added two new shock towers, reinforced power steering with plating and just finished the "mid section" by replacing upper shock mounting plates (ground out the old rivets, shock mounts, adding reinforcing plates and new FORD upper shock mounts). Also replaced the oil pan --- I HAVE A 1989 F-150 4X4 ALSO AND ITS' PAN WENT EARLIER (COMPLETELY EATEN UP BY RUST LIKE THE 1988'S)....MY QUESTION IS HOW HAS FORD MANAGED TO DESIGN THESE PANS FOR GUARANTEED RUST WHEN ONE SIDE IS ALWAYS DRENCED IN OIL??!!!!??? Quite an "engineering" feat when you think about it.

Now I'm working the rear frame and have welded in new rear leaf spring mounts to the frame(originals were 50% gone) and new reinforcing plates on the frame near (under) the leaf spring mounts.

I now need the two crossmembers that connect the long frame members. These crossmembers are located:

#1 Directly in front of the rear gas tank, approx 36" wide, C-channel, connects right and left frame members just rear of suspension "hump"

#2 Directly behind the rear gas tank, approx 36" wide, C-channel, connects right and left frame members just behind the rear gas tank and also serves as the mounting plate for the rear bumper

Can someone tell me where I can get these, please.

Very Respectfully, John

 

Where are you from?
Here in the pittsburgh there are two junk yards "You Pull It" where you do just that.
There are lots of ford frames for the taking.
Have you concidered buying an other truck with a shot body and good frame? might be alot easier and probably cheaper. You can use any 80 up 2x4 or 4x4.
There was a 4x4 frame on this site's classifieds for sale not too long ago also.

 

DoubleA,

Thank you for the help. I actually have one of the trucks in Johnstown, PA just southeast of Pittsburg. The problem I've found with the junk yards in Western PA is that a lot of the trucks already have serious rust, so I was hoping to purchase new old stock (Ford actually made the crossmembers, but recently stopped production) and that somebody might know where these items might be located.

Please enjoy the upcoming holidays.

Very Respectfully, John :-X12

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-Dec-02 AT 09:22 AM (EST)]You seem to be pretty good at fabrication and most likely have a welder. Ditch the MIG and get out the ARC welder and make these crossmembers out of square tube. It's personal preference on the size as any thing from 1"-4" is readily available from most any welding shop. This is way stronger than than the stamped pieces from factory. The square tube is really easy to fabricate angles in. When I did mine I also cut out three sides on the end of the square tube for "tabs" so it can be bolted in and if I ever wanted to take these out I could. But Some of these will never interfere with any driveline/ engine changes so they could be welded into place. I used a 6011 rod with 90-100 amps. I am currently on a job out of state or I would take pictures of what I did. If you still want to use factory parts this site is a link to bone yards all over the country. You may have to find a site that has a truck and call them directly as these odd parts aren't included in the search engine. http://car-part.com/index.htm Good luck.
RSH

 

RSH,

Your frame modification project sounds interesting. Has it held up well? I am assuming that you do some off-roading since I see that you have a lift kit. Did the addition of beefier x-members help with the torsional stiffness of the frame? I have always been disappointed with the amount of torsional flex the frame on my '97 CC F-350 has.

Neil

 

I did the mod more out of self preservation than repair and it has helped quite a bit. Not as much flex and popping in the slow rough stuff. I would assume your truck is much heavier than mine so you would definately benefit from some extra support. Worth the time!
RSH

 

Glad to hear it! I'll feel much more confident about making similar modifications to mine if I ever get the time. The flexing and popping makes me cringe. Everybody says these frames are pretty good, but I have to wonder sometimes.

 

were you able to buy the rear leafspring mounts from the dealer? my '93 one has rusted in two! yikes!
I say ignorance can be bliss. before I discovered this problem the truck drove fabulous,now I'm paranoid the spring bolt will snap leaving me stranded.