Hello,
I need to do some welding on the frame of my 85 Bronco. Does anyone know if the frame is high tensile steel, or is it mild steel? What type of welding rod should I use in my stick welder? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks. Al.

 

I would use 7018 if it was me.

 

As far as I know its mild. You could run 7018, just make sure you prep it real good. If you cant fit a grinder in the area, you could run 6011. Just clean the area up with a wire brush and get all the loose rust and all the paint off if you can.

 

6010 or 6011 would be ok for your root pass to clean up the metal if it is dirty but then I would use 7018 for all the other passes.

 

I have heard that all frames are heat treated and shouldnt be welded. That said, I have welded frames many times. (of course that doesnt make it right) If it's got a crack, what else are you going to do? But if its not cracked, you might try bolts for whatever your doing.

 

Holes and hardware will always triumph over hot glue (even if it is hot glue with a serious attitude)!

 

I find it much easier to use a 1/8" 6011 than a 7018 when welding on the Bronco frame, especially anything overhead. While alot of the suspension brackets are bolted up on the 84 Bronco, I often tack weld the bracket in a couple places. I'm running a Dana60 leaf SAS up front with a rear shackle flip Sterling 10.25". have also boxed the frame in a few places up front and where the rollcage outriggers tie in, using 1/8" mild steel. The Bronco frame works and acts similar to the mild steel when welding it ,if that helps any? JSM84