Frame crossmember rusted out bracket
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 137
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From: Washington
Frame crossmember rusted out bracket
While replacing the speedometer cable in my truck the other day, I was lying under the truck and started inspecting a bit more. I hate it when I do that because I always find one more thing that needs to be repaired, replaced, etc. (the list is growing quickly). This time I found a huge hole in one of the brackets (don't know if that's what it's called) that connects the second-to-last frame crossmember to the frame itself. On the other side of the frame is the front shackle for the rear leaf spring (this is on the driver's side).
It looks like the bracket is riveted onto both the crossmember and the frame rail. I guess the rivets aren't the big problem. The problem is how do you fix this? I've been searching the archives here about this problem but have dug up zilch. I checked around with the site sponsors a bit and a catalog but haven't found a replacement part bracket. Does this need to be fabricated?
Finally, I guess the bed needs to be removed to perform this repair, which is a lot sooner than I had hoped to get into this level of work.
I posted a picture of the rusted out piece in my gallery entitled "Rust woes."
It looks like the bracket is riveted onto both the crossmember and the frame rail. I guess the rivets aren't the big problem. The problem is how do you fix this? I've been searching the archives here about this problem but have dug up zilch. I checked around with the site sponsors a bit and a catalog but haven't found a replacement part bracket. Does this need to be fabricated?
Finally, I guess the bed needs to be removed to perform this repair, which is a lot sooner than I had hoped to get into this level of work.
I posted a picture of the rusted out piece in my gallery entitled "Rust woes."
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
It is a necessary part. It looks like there might have been an exhaust leak at one time or maybe the pipe was cut off and the exhaust fumes and condensate acted on the crossmember.
Cut and fit a piece of 3/16" or 1/4" thick metal into that triangular indention, then weld it in place. There is no need to remove the bed.
Side note: I would check for any fuel leaks in the gas tank and would also be sure to ground directly to the crossmember when welding.
It's really a simple fix and an E-6011 welding rod will work if you can't get a wire welder in there.
Good luck.
Cut and fit a piece of 3/16" or 1/4" thick metal into that triangular indention, then weld it in place. There is no need to remove the bed.
Side note: I would check for any fuel leaks in the gas tank and would also be sure to ground directly to the crossmember when welding.
It's really a simple fix and an E-6011 welding rod will work if you can't get a wire welder in there.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Washington
1982fordf100: My first gallery was from before I bought this truck. I guess I should change the title. The shock bracket that you saw is for mounting dual shocks at the front. I only have single shocks, and the passenger side doesn't have the bracket for the second shock.
Big Orn: I'm going to be buying a MiG welder soon (since I have to repair a fist-sized hole in driver's side floor pan). I think 3/16" will be the heaviest I can go with a 110V MiG. I like your idea of patching this though with a new piece. I would remove the gas tank to do this.
Their would be one plus to removing the bed: I need to run a new fuel line, the one that's there doesn't look to great with tons of rust on it. And the brake lines could probably use replacing too. It seems that my bed is only being held in place by five bolts right now. Not sure why the other three are missing. What are these supposed to be, 3" carriage bolts? Any particular rating?
Big Orn: I'm going to be buying a MiG welder soon (since I have to repair a fist-sized hole in driver's side floor pan). I think 3/16" will be the heaviest I can go with a 110V MiG. I like your idea of patching this though with a new piece. I would remove the gas tank to do this.
Their would be one plus to removing the bed: I need to run a new fuel line, the one that's there doesn't look to great with tons of rust on it. And the brake lines could probably use replacing too. It seems that my bed is only being held in place by five bolts right now. Not sure why the other three are missing. What are these supposed to be, 3" carriage bolts? Any particular rating?
