The previous owner of my 1979 F-250 Ranger custom mounted a trailer hitch and welded the whole frickin thing. Check out the link below and see what happened. They welded some 1/2" steel plate about 2 1/2" wide up to the frame and welded it right into the rear cross member pins that attach the cross member into the frame. Also, for what ever reason, the frame is cracked where they welded it together. This happened on both sides. Consequently, to get it off I had to grind down the weld and connection pins on the cross member. Can those pins be drilled out so I can replace the cross member and fix the frame? Check out the pictures and you will see what I am talking about.

Cracked frame 2 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Cracked frame 3 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

When I removed my crossmembers, I ground off the heads and then used an air punch the removed the pins. Then I just replaced the rivets with bolts.

 

Did you notice the crack in the photo? Can that be fixed pretty easily with welding it? Luckily its at the end of the frame and not the middle of the frame so structurally it should be fine, but I don't want to just leave it that way.

 

Yeah, I would weld it then grind the weld smooth. There's not too much of a load at that section of the frame

 

2x with Mike Zer-oHs.... drill a hole at the end of the crack to stop it from spreading (a future buyer who tows will thank you), hammer and heat 'er back in place, and then weld the crack. Dress the welds and yer good to go.

 

Looks like the PO liked to abuse that truck. I'd check for more surprises as I'm sure theres more to be found.

 

Should I be concerned that the cross member is bowed in slightly towards the front. Measuring it, it is about an 1/8" to 3/16" bowed in the middle. That was due to more 1/2" steel plate that was custom welded from the hitch under th bumber up to the middle of the cross member by the previous owner.

Can I even get a new cross member for it?

 

D3TZ-5035-A .. Rear Crossmember / Obsolete

Applications: 1973/79 F100/350 Regular Cabs / No Ford Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any.

 

Thanks....I just private messaged you so you can ignore that.

 

I emailed mikesautosalvage.com about getting a cross member. Do I necessarily need to replace it though?