frame cracked by steering box
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: las vegas
frame cracked by steering box
i have a 79 f-150 that i am restoring, i had the frame sandblasted and just like i figured the frame has cracks where the steerin box bolts to the frame. i am planning on grinding out the cracks and welding them up, and then welding some plate to the outside and bottom of the frame. will this work or is there a better way to stop this from happening again??
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 47
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From: las vegas
i agree about the effect that too much heat can cause damage it is best to do welds about an inch in length and about a 1/2 in or so apart around the plate, and if you want a continuous weld bead to alternate you welding area, to avoid warpage and damage but this also depends on the thickness of the metal and the amperage and penetration that you may get out of the welder that you are using, thanx for the advice though, any tips r appreciated
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 886
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From: Houston/Hope BC
I have a crack on the opposite side, same area. I made a L-shaped plate (3/8 thick) that scabs the side and bottom rail and put a lot of interference-fit 1/2" high grade shear bolts in it. No more propogation. Don't know if this will work around your steering box, but it has worked well for me. I have been told the frames are hardened steel and welding on them anneals the steel.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 886
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From: Houston/Hope BC
You made me go check my hear-say. This is a pretty cool article about truck frames:
http://trailer-bodybuilders.com/mag/...g_frames_side/
Although it doesn't specifically address our F-150's, I'd bet a dollar to a donut hole they are hardended.
Where? I been under, over, & wrapped around mine for years (with a break now and then) and have not noticed any welds on the frame proper. Everthing I know of is riveted. (trying not to get off-topic and certainly not trying to impune your word, just curious if I am missing something.
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http://trailer-bodybuilders.com/mag/...g_frames_side/
Although it doesn't specifically address our F-150's, I'd bet a dollar to a donut hole they are hardended.
Where? I been under, over, & wrapped around mine for years (with a break now and then) and have not noticed any welds on the frame proper. Everthing I know of is riveted. (trying not to get off-topic and certainly not trying to impune your word, just curious if I am missing something.
)
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: las vegas
That was a good article and very indepth, but it was about frames for semi's. i know they are hardened, also they have stickers all over them that say "Do not Weld or Drill into frame", i know because i have been around and worked on semi's all my life. our pickup frames are different though they are welded in the front for structural support for the loads and weight of the engine, and yes they are poor welds, what do you expect from an assembly line. i have welded a few times to vehicle frames and have never had many problems, but maybe there is something that i am missing, maybe we'll owe each other a donut hole
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Junior User
Joined: May 2003
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From: south jersey
My 79 F-150 4x4 had bad cracks all around the steering box with the steering box starting to come off the frame it was so bad. I just welded on some 1/4" steel plate with angle iron welded along the top and bottom for added strength. I had to do some grinding to get the pitman arm to clear and extend the track bar alittle but it has held up fine for a few years now with no problems.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Houston/Hope BC
Sounds fair to me. Wasn't saying it can't be done right, but I would sure like a lot better welder than me doing it! Now a big piece of plate and some good bolts, that I can do at home. And you got me on the welds on the crossmember! It's been a while since I steam-cleaned that part! I did notice though they only welded the top where it is in compression and used rivets on the bottom where it is in tension. You are up one donut hole, until someone determines our frames are heat-treated or not.
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: las vegas
hey thanx john, i have a lot of 1/4" plate and plenty of time and ill be sure to check my clearances when its all done. and you too ronin, you got to stop the crack some how, just give it a dead end. thanx for the tips guys
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
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From: Eustis FL
Are these trucks 3/4 ton or bigger, with lots of steerable mass up front? I can't see that much stress on a street driven 2wd with stock wheels and tires...
reply posted twice-- I keep getting asked to log in! (and hotmail is acting up a lot too, anyone else notice?)
Mark
reply posted twice-- I keep getting asked to log in! (and hotmail is acting up a lot too, anyone else notice?)
Mark
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: southeast Idaho
I have been around trucks my whole life also and many of them have been welded and I have welded a few myself, the main rule I was always taught was to never use a 90 degree corner on the piece you were welding to the frame. In other words try to make it either a diamond shape or octagon shape so the stress that caused the break in the first place is dipersed over a wider or longer area and I have seen very few problems return when done this way. One other thing, use at least a 70,000 lb rod I.E 7018, and if the frame is hardened, use 11018 or similar rod to weld it with. Hope this helps. I have done a few pickup frames this way also and it seeems to be the same rules, just tighter working area is all.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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my 1979 frame is welded top and bottom in the front. were it is boxed . here is a link to a pic of my frame and how it was plated around steering box
darn. tried to put just link in. can a mod please fix for me?
darn. tried to put just link in. can a mod please fix for me?