I was under my truck today.a 73 f350 super camper. I noticed my frame is broken right behind the steering box mounts. Just in front of the radius arms mounts. It's cracked on the lower frame lip. Is that a common problem? Or my dumb luck. I'm not worried about how fix. I'm a very competent welder. I was just wondering if this is common what have you guys that have fixed one done to prevent it in the future. Thanks

 

Cracks around the steering box mounts are relatively common on other makes of trucks... not common among Dentsides. ...90s Dodge Rams are notorious and so much so that the aftermarket offers a steering box brace.

Before welding, drill the end of crack to stop it in its tracks. Then lightly grind the crack to create a bevel. Then weld both sides...... to be doubly sure it doesn't happen again, consider adding a fish plate over the repair

 

Somewhat of a common problem on all 1967/79's, because the original bolts were too short and Ford did not install locking nuts.

The original nuts worked loose, the gearbox began to wiggle, sooner or later the frame cracked.

Ford's fix: Longer grade 8 bolts, locking nuts. Dealers were instructed to weld the crack, then weld sheet metal onto both sides of the frame to reinforce it.

 

I had a '77 f100 2wd & a '77 F350 cab&chassis 2wd, both had cracked frames around the steering box area.

 

In my experience, it is very common - on Chevies.

https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-900-F...steering+brace

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm going too keep a eye on it. When the rain stops pull the welder out and fix it. I literally work under a shadow tree. And put longer bolts and lock nuts on.

 

Is your truck on a Chevrolet frame?

 

I was wondering why it broke that explains it lol.