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These are for the cross member at the rear axle above the front spring hanger
Would like to make this easy and just replace with good ones. Unfortunately can’t seem to find any and when I did I would have to buy the whole frame. My frame is not that bad. So I am looking for suggestions on what might be the best way to duplicate this. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated
The middle section looks like it could be cut out of a square section. From there weld on some flat pieces. But, what are they for? Got to watch out when welding as if not done correctly you could be creating a weak point.
In the photo above the cherry bombs. A little hard to see. These are support brackets for that cross member. They are from the bottom frame rails up to the cross member. In a post I have in the 73-79 forum someone wrote that they are to keep frame from twisting. I did think about somehow using c-channel. But if I use flat plate make the initial bends and then c-channel for the center portion. That I believe will give me the most strength and probably be stronger than the original one was when new
Are this bolts SS? FWIW stainless tends to be softer than grade 5 or 8 steel (or galvanized) bolts/nuts.
I didn’t really pay attention to what the bolts were. Thank you for noticing that. They were in the 5 gallon pail of collection that I acquired over the years. I will however replace all of them with new grade 8 bolts. Thanks again. Guess I was just overly excited with the outcome.
Nice work, but those braces just keep the rails from twisting, keep them standing up so to speak. ... a lot like blocking used between studs in a wall. New grade 5s, some nuts, maybe a tap with a hammer on thread end, some paint, they'll outlast you or I or the truck. Grade 8s work too, but there's 16 there. For that matter, what you used is fine. Something that's not gonna be removed I often just use flat washers if any, cut the excess near flush, pien the sharp thread end to smoother it.
Thanks for the comments. I knew if I made them they would out last anything I could’ve bought. If your gonna do it do it bigger and better. Grade 8 definitely over kill but at RKO 3.69 a pound why not.
Had to replace rear cross member also will post pic later. Simple c channel also took the time to make the triangle gussets which I don’t think I needed but wasn’t that big of a deal.
