Frame Rust
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Frame Rust
Hey All, I have a 1987 F150 4x4 short bed with alot of rust.
I was under it just looking today and seeing maybe what I need to cut rust out to repair the body.
While poking around under there with a screwdriver I noticed some rust around the drivers side rear shock mount. I got to scraping it and found the rust went all the way through in a couple of small spots.
What I wonder is has anyone ever welded or bolted a plate to the inside of a frame rail to strenghten it.
I probably would have to drill out the shock mount rivets from the frame and drill holes and bolt the new plate to the inside.
has anyone ever done this?
ZZ
I was under it just looking today and seeing maybe what I need to cut rust out to repair the body.
While poking around under there with a screwdriver I noticed some rust around the drivers side rear shock mount. I got to scraping it and found the rust went all the way through in a couple of small spots.
What I wonder is has anyone ever welded or bolted a plate to the inside of a frame rail to strenghten it.
I probably would have to drill out the shock mount rivets from the frame and drill holes and bolt the new plate to the inside.
has anyone ever done this?
ZZ
New User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I've not done it myself, but I do know of it being done on a lot of different vehicles. I think you could go to a frame shop and get that taken care of pretty easy, but I don't know if it would be cheap. Try the Yellow Pages.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: West Mansfield, Ohio
I did it myself on my 95. Took about 30 minutes. Just make sure you get the right mount from the Ford dealership. I guess theres two different mounts for 4 wheel and 2 wheel drive models. All you do is grind the rivets down flat and knock em out with a punch. Then get grade 8 bolts to replace em. Cant remember what size exactly though. Ford dealership should be able to tell you what size bolts.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: West Mansfield, Ohio
Wait .... were you talkin about the shock mount or the frame itself? If the frame itself is rusted through then you have problems. But that shock mount rusting away is a popular problem from Ford. Mud and Salt and water sit in the little pocket that the mount makes and rusts em out. Just dont let it break, or you'll have a set of leaf springs poking up through your bed!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Sorry I didn't get back sooner.
I was in the middle of changing internet service.
But in the meantime I went ahead and fabricated a plate on the inside of the frame rail and installed a new set of leaf springs. Probably will do the same with the shock tower ASAP.
Thanks again.
ZZ
I was in the middle of changing internet service.
But in the meantime I went ahead and fabricated a plate on the inside of the frame rail and installed a new set of leaf springs. Probably will do the same with the shock tower ASAP.
Thanks again.
ZZ
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Thanks for following up!
FYI, the rear leaf spring brackets are different for 4wd or 2wd. The leaf springs on a 4wd are 3" wide where as a 2wd are 2.5" wide, so the brackets and shackles that hold them are different.
FYI, the rear leaf spring brackets are different for 4wd or 2wd. The leaf springs on a 4wd are 3" wide where as a 2wd are 2.5" wide, so the brackets and shackles that hold them are different.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
I had recently discovered my rear spring mounts were shot, so I got them and once I tore into the truck, well basically from the rear-rear spring mount back, the frame is shot both sides. I am in the process of fabricating 10ga patches to remake the frame rail and strengthen the lip that the hitch mounts to. In my travels I discover the rear cross member aint the best and although I got a ford part number (FOTZ-5053A), it is no longer available - so I will be fabricating one of those also.
But I do havea question - it seems another website has full frames listed, anyone know offhand if they are still avail? Im thinking on doign a frame off - gimme a good shot to get everything fixed up and compliment the 347 stroker I am building.....
But I do havea question - it seems another website has full frames listed, anyone know offhand if they are still avail? Im thinking on doign a frame off - gimme a good shot to get everything fixed up and compliment the 347 stroker I am building.....
