Frame repairs

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Nov 5, 2006 | 12:33 PM

griz4718

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Frame repairs

My 94 Ranger has some rust through spots on the frame. I was looking for advice, techniques on how to do repairs. I cannot afford to replace the truck at this time so I have to try to nurse it along. How about welding in sections of good frame, welding reinforcing plates over weak areas? What shape should plates be so as not to crack the frame later? If a section of frame is replaced should I also use a reinforcing plate? Any and all replies will be greatly appreciated!

Nov 5, 2006 | 02:29 PM

Tiggie

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Moneta, VA

Can you find another frame from a junkyard? That would be your best bet.

If you must patch your frame, I'd weld steel plates all over the weaker areas and weld them into stronger areas.

I wouldn't recommend cutting and replacing part of the frame because you have to be extrememly accurate in measuring and getting it straight.

Nov 5, 2006 | 02:55 PM

customstringer

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From: Ohio

Are the rust "spots" rust "holes"? It would take alot to rust a frame member completely through. If not rusted completely through you can clean the rust off in whatever way works [wire brush and so on], put some rust converter on it then when its done undercoat it. I don't see that trying to reinforce the frame with welded plates would make that much difference, depending on where the problem spots are located, given the fact that it would be very difficult to get a large enough plate in place to make a structural difference. I know money is tight but it might be worth a few bucks taking it to a frame shop for advice.

Nov 5, 2006 | 08:03 PM

Dave257

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Ford does not recomend you ever weld on a frame. Something to do with different hardness of metal and flexing causes cracking. I don't know, but have seen many of them welded. You might want to post in the body shop fourm, someone there may have the real scoop.
Dave

Last edited by Dave257; Nov 5, 2006 at 08:06 PM.

Nov 6, 2006 | 02:54 AM

CowboyBilly9Mile

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From: Eastern WA

When you weld plates on the frame, you are setting up what is/are known as "hard points". If you scab on a repair in a highly loaded area of the frame, you have decreased the ability of the frame to flex (albeit ever so slightly yet by design) and increased localized stress in the area that the repair was scabbed in. This will encourage cracking, right where you did what you thought was a repair. The greater the cyclical stress, the faster it will fail. Although I'm a degreed Mechanical Engineer and I have 20+ years of experience in machinery design, stress, fatigue, and damage tolerance analysis including welded structures, it would be inappropriate for me to offer suggestions/ideas on how to repair this other than to advise you to take it to a competent frame shop with several years experience under their belt and have them make repairs. I don't know where your frame is rusted or how bad it is, but this is not worth endangering yourself or the rest of the public over money, regardless of the cost of repairs.

Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Nov 6, 2006 at 02:59 AM.

Nov 6, 2006 | 05:33 AM

customstringer

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From: Ohio

Both the above posts reinforce my concerns about repairing the frame. Reinforcing it in one area could weaken it in another, or the repairs could weaken it in the area of the repair. Only someone with sufficient knowledge seeing it could advise if there is any possiblility of salvaging it. If it can't be repaired and money is tight, perhaps you can get some value out of the good parts of the truck and invest in another vehicle that will get you by until times are better. Good luck.

Nov 10, 2006 | 08:54 AM

Level II 03

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From: Grand Junction,CO

I agree strongly not to weld frame, Especially in high stress areas. As an Experienced, former collision tech, I have never seen a frame of modern age i thought was unsafely rusted away. They often have minor surface rust, but are thick steel. But i live in GJ Colorado, and we get little snow and less salt/ mag chloride. Replacing is safest, if really needed. Make sure you get the correct frame,as there are several diffrent for drive, bed length, cab size typicially.