Cracked frame
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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Cracked frame
Ok what i have here is a cracked frame. The other day i was four wheelin an i noticed a poping sound from the front end you i got out and checked it out and saw the frame was cracked 1/2 way around the steering box and the craks were spider webed out. Has any one ever had this happened to them, how would you fix it or would you just find another frame to trans fer all my drive train and body to. thanks in advanced for the help. ps its a 78 4x4 351m 4speed 4inch lift and 36's pss im 16 like mud and rocks and have a big right foot
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 4
From: West Union, OH USA
Had the same problem a year ago, I have a '78 4x4 351m 4speed lifted 2" I think with a dropped pitman arm and dropped drag link with sway bar and dual shocks.
The CORRECT method of repair is first, to remove the steering box and grind the surface clean, second, drill out the ends of each crack to stop them from spreading more, third, grind a V into the length of each cracks, finally, weld up the drilled holes and V ground cracks grind flush and rebolt the steering box.
What we did was to take the steering box off the frame, then cleaned (grinder) the metal and welded a big piece of diamond plate angle iron onto the frame flushing up the short side with the bottom of the frame. Then we torched! holes in this angle iron and used new and longer bolts to hold the steering box on. Also, we had to clearance the bottom of the angle iron to allow the pitman arm to fully turn.
Steering shaft comes loose easier once the steering box is unbolted if I remember correctly it slides off the steering shaft if unbolted from the frame.
HOPE THIS HELPS.
Pics are in my gallery but none of this repair yet, I see if I can post some.
The CORRECT method of repair is first, to remove the steering box and grind the surface clean, second, drill out the ends of each crack to stop them from spreading more, third, grind a V into the length of each cracks, finally, weld up the drilled holes and V ground cracks grind flush and rebolt the steering box.
What we did was to take the steering box off the frame, then cleaned (grinder) the metal and welded a big piece of diamond plate angle iron onto the frame flushing up the short side with the bottom of the frame. Then we torched! holes in this angle iron and used new and longer bolts to hold the steering box on. Also, we had to clearance the bottom of the angle iron to allow the pitman arm to fully turn.
Steering shaft comes loose easier once the steering box is unbolted if I remember correctly it slides off the steering shaft if unbolted from the frame.
HOPE THIS HELPS.
Pics are in my gallery but none of this repair yet, I see if I can post some.
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Sharp Top Mountain Ga.
My 78 F150 4x has a rusted out spot on the chassis by the front mounting hole for the steering box.
I was planning to weld in a steel plate on the inside of the box frame and re-drill the mounting holes and run longer bolts through the unit....should do the trick (I hope)
I was planning to weld in a steel plate on the inside of the box frame and re-drill the mounting holes and run longer bolts through the unit....should do the trick (I hope)
