Frame strengthening suggestions?

[abranz]

I've searched and read about the weakness on 1st gen trucks at the steering box area of the left frame. My question is there anything I can do to help prevent frame cracks from happening? Beef up that area of the frame? The truck is stock 4x4 and used for plowing snow. Any suggestions would be appreciated?

Anthony in Idaho

 

[Mundgyver]

I am originally from just up the road, Salmon. If you are snow plowing, you have an additional frame work added for the plow.



Depending on your stock frame, maybe some channel iron welded in key spots to form or box the frame rails. If it were me doing this, I would remove the bed and the cab and then box and strengthen the whole frame rather than part of it. It will add weight but depending on your approach, could be bullet proof for the long run also.



You would want to research and see if anybody else has done this and see if there are pic's or writeups on a finished project.



One thing to watch out for is just doing a hack an weld job that looks bad and performes worse. Planing is the key. Don't settle for half measures when you do this. Take your time and think about what you want to do so you get it right the first time around.

 

[DVolk]

Frame strengthening suggestions

run a cabel around the steering gear box to a turn buckel to the passenger side of the frame and crank it up very tight to prevent steering gear box adter flex

 

[Moab4x4]

Factory Bracket

Search the old posts and there are some good pics and a bit of controversy. Some are of the factory brace that came on some older pickups and Ramchargers. The bracket bolted on the inside of the frame opposite the steering gear mounting bracket. The reinforcing bracket then bolted to the crossmember under the radiator.

Check your steering gear bracket closely, especially around the front lower bolt. I hear that the bracket goes first and then takes out the frame. Sure enough, my bracket was broken there and my frame was cracked too.

I am welded up for now, but I am looking at boxing that area up like Mad Max did his RC.



Other frame related cracks that I found (lots of hard miles on dirt roads I'm thinking by PO, oil field fleet truck. )

1. Right rear cab mount bracket cracked in 2 places.

2. Both front bed mounts cracked. (heavy transfer tank mounted? or box?)

3. The crossmember that supports the fuel tank. The one that is riveted to the upper and lower part of the frame rail, just in front of the right rear spring mount. That cross meember cracked on the right side (across from the fuel tank) just above the lower flange on the frame. Lower rear corner of the brace. Who knows why that one broke?



Like I said, my truck led a hard life. Close inspection will find 3 of 4 springs with cracked or broken leaves so most will not have such a hard time.