drop bracket question
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 1
From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
drop bracket question
Alright, so on my 4 inch skyjacker lift, the drop bracket has a crack on it so it basically has one less bolt holding it because the crack is making it so the bolt is holding a little piece that is broke off from the main drop bracket. I didn't worry about it too much because their is another bolt holding it. But now i've noticed that the drop bracket and the little piece thats broken off are seperating a little more which leads me to believe that its shifting position. Should I order a new drop bracket from Skyjacker or do yall think just backing out the bolt holding the little broken piece and welding that broken piece back on to the drop bracket and putting that bolt back in will work? If this isn't clear enough let me know and i will try to take a picture. I tried explaining it the best i could.
Thanks guys.
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Thanks guys.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,773
Likes: 1
From: Texas Coast
Picture would be good.
In general if you have a crack you need to remove the pressure that is contributing to the crack and then drill out the end of the crack and dress (grind) bevel the edges of the piece that is to be reinstalled. The weld it up and then grind down the weld and patch weld over the whole area and re-drill for the bolts. Then install a gusset if possible to reinforce the area and equalize load distribution, position of the gusset is dependant on the direction of the load/force.
That said; I would need a pic to know if that is possible. Also if the part that is cracked was cast iron and not ductile iron then the cast failure is likely to reoccur in that thermal set does not take well to cast and the curing temperature of the weld will be adversely affected weakening the welded area.
In general if you have a crack you need to remove the pressure that is contributing to the crack and then drill out the end of the crack and dress (grind) bevel the edges of the piece that is to be reinstalled. The weld it up and then grind down the weld and patch weld over the whole area and re-drill for the bolts. Then install a gusset if possible to reinforce the area and equalize load distribution, position of the gusset is dependant on the direction of the load/force.
That said; I would need a pic to know if that is possible. Also if the part that is cracked was cast iron and not ductile iron then the cast failure is likely to reoccur in that thermal set does not take well to cast and the curing temperature of the weld will be adversely affected weakening the welded area.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 0
Picture would be good.
In general if you have a crack you need to remove the pressure that is contributing to the crack and then drill out the end of the crack and dress (grind) bevel the edges of the piece that is to be reinstalled. The weld it up and then grind down the weld and patch weld over the whole area and re-drill for the bolts. Then install a gusset if possible to reinforce the area and equalize load distribution, position of the gusset is dependant on the direction of the load/force.
That said; I would need a pic to know if that is possible. Also if the part that is cracked was cast iron and not ductile iron then the cast failure is likely to reoccur in that thermal set does not take well to cast and the curing temperature of the weld will be adversely affected weakening the welded area.
In general if you have a crack you need to remove the pressure that is contributing to the crack and then drill out the end of the crack and dress (grind) bevel the edges of the piece that is to be reinstalled. The weld it up and then grind down the weld and patch weld over the whole area and re-drill for the bolts. Then install a gusset if possible to reinforce the area and equalize load distribution, position of the gusset is dependant on the direction of the load/force.
That said; I would need a pic to know if that is possible. Also if the part that is cracked was cast iron and not ductile iron then the cast failure is likely to reoccur in that thermal set does not take well to cast and the curing temperature of the weld will be adversely affected weakening the welded area.
LOL, All I understands is "meh blah ma raw fro mee ta mar" Kinda like watching Charly Brown and he talks to an adult and they make honking noises. No insult intended, just a lil over my head.
I thaught Skyjacker warrenties all there lift parts, can you not return it and exchange for replacement?
If this one cracked it will be kinda waist to buY another for that one to crack if it will be a commoon problem.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
Problem is the last owner put it on. I have the receipt for the kit but im not sure if its warrantied. I was under the impression that i would have been able to back out the bolt, get it welded back onto the main drop bracket and run that bolt back through and it would be good. but now im not sure. Ill get a picture here in a little while.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,410
Likes: 77
From: Plankinton, SD
I would take it apart, weld it back together, grind the weld, then put a piece of 1/4" angle in there and weld that in, then redrill the holes through that angle and bolt it back in. Maybe a couple plug weld holes if necessary
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
So i should be alright taking the drop bracket off, welding that broken piece back on and welding on another support piece, drilling a hole and putting it back on?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Looks like the bracket is tweaked a good bit besides just being bent. That bubblegum on the crossmember was welded to the bracket at one point.
I sure hope you aren't driving it like that.
I'd fix the crack, and weld a flange on each side where that weld was and bolt it through the front of the crossmember too if that is possible, add a bunch more support.
I sure hope you aren't driving it like that.
I'd fix the crack, and weld a flange on each side where that weld was and bolt it through the front of the crossmember too if that is possible, add a bunch more support.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
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Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
Looks like the bracket is tweaked a good bit besides just being bent. That bubblegum on the crossmember was welded to the bracket at one point.
I sure hope you aren't driving it like that.
I'd fix the crack, and weld a flange on each side where that weld was and bolt it through the front of the crossmember too if that is possible, add a bunch more support.
I sure hope you aren't driving it like that.
I'd fix the crack, and weld a flange on each side where that weld was and bolt it through the front of the crossmember too if that is possible, add a bunch more support.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,773
Likes: 1
From: Texas Coast
Looks like the bracket is tweaked a good bit besides just being bent. That bubblegum on the crossmember was welded to the bracket at one point.
I sure hope you aren't driving it like that.
I'd fix the crack, and weld a flange on each side where that weld was and bolt it through the front of the crossmember too if that is possible, add a bunch more support.
I sure hope you aren't driving it like that.
I'd fix the crack, and weld a flange on each side where that weld was and bolt it through the front of the crossmember too if that is possible, add a bunch more support.
Thats ductile iron, the welds should hold up fine. It appears that the stress fracture is because the clearances are not tight enough on the broken end.
I would suggest closing that gap some by sliding in a angle iron over the top of it and weld that in place and then weld some flat bar between and over the two holes. Be sure to place the flat bar and mark the holes and drill the holes first and then weld it in place. Use bell house washers to maintain the tension when bucling it up.
A question to ask is; if you secure this area well is it going to transfer the stress to another section and cause a fracture? It should not, if the clearances on the repair, close the gap mentioned before.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 414
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From: Lady Lake FL
Are you sure that is part of the lift. It looks kinda homemade to me. I have never installed a lift on a Powerstroke era Ford, but have done several Jeeps. Just does not seem up to their quality. I am not saying you don't need a drop bracket, but you may want to look and see if there is a better style out there. Just my 2 cents.
Paul
Paul