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Frame crack...
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New User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 17
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From: Blackfoot, Idaho
Frame crack...
Hello. My name is Jeff and I own a 1981 F-150 flare side. The frame just in front of my steering gear box has cracked and splintered badly. I have very little frame in tact at this spot. I was considering obtaining a section of frame from a junkyard and having it welded. Has anyone else had to do this? Is it just as cost effective to buy a frame from another truck and just swap it out? Can anyone give me some thoughts on this subject? Thanks.
Jeff
Jeff
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I've not repaired a frame, so don't have that experience. However, I have seen discussions on here of using a section from a donor frame, reversed with the open side out, to repair a cracked frame. Another option is to use plate to cover the area of the crack and then some.
As for swapping to another frame, I think you'll run into significant costs in the mounts alone. I recently pulled the cab off of my truck and tried to remove the 6 mounts - 2 for the core support and 4 for the cab. I discovered the core support horns on the frame were rusted and had to be repaired. And most of the mounts had to be cut apart, resulting in having to order new hardware for $300, plus the mounts themselves for $100. However, if the frame you are getting has good mounts and you don't try to take them off you might be fine. Lotsa work, though.
As for swapping to another frame, I think you'll run into significant costs in the mounts alone. I recently pulled the cab off of my truck and tried to remove the 6 mounts - 2 for the core support and 4 for the cab. I discovered the core support horns on the frame were rusted and had to be repaired. And most of the mounts had to be cut apart, resulting in having to order new hardware for $300, plus the mounts themselves for $100. However, if the frame you are getting has good mounts and you don't try to take them off you might be fine. Lotsa work, though.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
I would suggest having it welded with a fish plate.
Truck repair places make DOT certified welds like this all the time.
Do you have large tires and a lift?
That seems to be a common cause of this.
Truck repair places make DOT certified welds like this all the time.
Do you have large tires and a lift?
That seems to be a common cause of this.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 17
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From: Blackfoot, Idaho
Frame repair...
to those who graciously answered my post about my frame crack...I was finally able to find a section of frame that fit my truck, at a price I could afford. When I got all of the rivets ground down off of my frame, brackets, etc, and unbolted the rest of it, the frame literally dropped to the ground-there was nothing left holding it together!! A professional welder (40 years experience) came out and after I had bolted the new section into place, he had me leave a 1/4" gap between the sections. He then went through the outer portion of the two frames, and welded a piece to the back of it. And then he made a diamond shape plate which he welded to the front. However, he purposely did not close the top and bottom welds. He stated that if he closed the welds, that would incur all of the stress from the frame and it could possibly break at those spots. I am still in the process of putting it back together. I will let everyone know how it turns out. THANK YOU:-)
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New User
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Blackfoot, Idaho
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Sometimes when the crossmember gets loose you can actually see the front of the truck lift from side to side as someone turns the wheel.
No, it's not a good idea to crank the wheel while sitting still, but on occasion (like parallel parking) there is no choice.
A Saginaw steering pump swap eliminates the pump whine and is better able to turn those tires.
I imagine it puts more stress on the frame at the steering box too.
No, it's not a good idea to crank the wheel while sitting still, but on occasion (like parallel parking) there is no choice.
A Saginaw steering pump swap eliminates the pump whine and is better able to turn those tires.
I imagine it puts more stress on the frame at the steering box too.
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Joe Kucinski
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From: Northeast, OK
When I click on your name and then "View Gallery" it says "This user has not created their gallery." How about at least posting us a link to it?
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
If I 'View Profile' and then open the pic's on the right side I can see the series.
frame repair by jejch1214 - Ford-Trucks
frame repair by jejch1214 - Ford-Trucks
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 31
Likes: 3
From: Erie, Pa
Funny this should pop back up, I have a crack in my frame at about the same spot I believe. Under the steering column on the cross member that kinda wraps around the front axle. I'm simply planning on taking it to a frame welder and seeing what he can do... I believe mine is a complete crack though, it's split quite well...