HELP! Cracked frame - no help from Ford
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 21
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From: bethpage, ny
I've noticed the heavy tractor trailer units have stickers on their frames that say "Do not weld..."
I'm sure they are heat treated and yes that would be a problem. But, hey, I don't really know much about welding either. So take it for what it is worth.
Best of luck
I'm sure they are heat treated and yes that would be a problem. But, hey, I don't really know much about welding either. So take it for what it is worth.
Best of luck
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
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Ford Saz
I looked in the ford book and they don't recomend weilding the frame. They recomend a plate to reinforce it. However, if it is has to be done, use an arc welder NOT a gas welder, and use a temperature marking Crayon to keep the temp below 650 deg C (1200 deg F). I have always heard frames are riveted so they can flex. They WILL flex and allowing the rivet to slip will keep it from building a stress point and breaking.
Dave257
Dave257
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
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From: Montana Territory
these frames are ladder type, and are box welded, imagine a rectangle cut into the middle of the rail, and the rungs welded into the middle of that.
Frames aren't riveted, because that requires effort, and nobody wants to do that.
Frames aren't riveted, because that requires effort, and nobody wants to do that.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Homer, Alaska
The thing to remeber about welding a frame or putting a patch on it is not to make any vertical weld on the steel. If you have a vertical crack, weld the patch horzontal top and bottom, but don't go vertical. It will crack again at the vertical weld.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 11
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They did as similar to what Jomo924 recommended. Drilled the crack, grooved it and filled, then a curved plate that extended about 4" either side. Nice clean job. So no real vertical welds.
I learned something from this whole evolution.
I learned something from this whole evolution.
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