Sad Note for the Silver Bullet

[Greenleaf]

Guys, it be a sad day @ Smokehouse Diesel. Rust/corrosion has claimed another component of the "bullet"... ... ... ... ... ... the front cross member. This component holds the ENGINE and ALL front suspension components.



I had to take her to a truck shop and they still didn't know what was happening untill they took the left ball joints out and got a good look-see in there at the spring mount or the "lack of"



This component is NLA. They suggested cutting the spring mount off the cross member and making one to replace all the metal the isn't there any longer. However this is too rich for my blood and so the truck will become a lawn ornament untill further notice.



Any suggestions to rebuild the front cross member.



GL

 

[bgilbert]

S, I have the engine crossmember from a 90 D350 CTD I parted out. I cut the frame around it, so it is still riveted/bolted? to the frame. I am not sure what is still attached to the frame in that area. I will check. I was only keeping it to be able to have something to look at/compare when I notch the gasser crossmember in the crew for the Cummins install. You are welcome to it if you could use anything off it or the whole thing. I'll go out and check it in a bit.

 

[LiftedLimo]

If it were me, I would get out my tube bender and welder and start making something sweet. Speaking of that I have to build new spring perches anyway. Can you post some pics of what happend?

 

[bgilbert]

Well the driverside of this one doesn't look that great. P-side is good. I have the hubs and control arms as well. Let me know if this is remotely helpful.

 

[MMiller]

If it were me, I would get out my tube bender and welder and start making something sweet. Speaking of that I have to build new spring perches anyway. Can you post some pics of what happend?

x2



Are you needed the cross member, or the spring buckets? I'd call down and talk to James, he may very well have a rust free one, or know where one is setting. Is it a diesel only peice, or all 92-93 2wheel drive trucks(gas and diesel) all the same?



I'm looking forward to a ride later this year. Been thinking that I should come to SOP rather than the last truck pull of the year.



Michael

 

[Greenleaf]

I could probably use that. I not sure if it's the same as my 92 d250, I'll have to check it out with the shop.





The pictures are beautiful, thank you.

 

[Philip]

Scott if you need a hand switching it out. Let me know.

 

[pepecat]

I know of loco1's front end he cut out for his 4x4 conversion... it was a low mile 1992 d250 cali truck about 130,000 miles no rust at all... . I was going to snag the control arms off of it but you could have the rest. wanna meet halfway?? let me know, pm

 

[dpuckett]

I know ball joints and bushings are all the same from a 250 to 350, which leads me to believe the hard parts would be, too.



Good luck on your project, Scott. Rest of the truck looks real good. My undercarriages have always been in good shape, bodies left something to be desired.



Daniel

 

[cerberusiam]

I had to take her to a truck shop and they still didn't know what was happening untill they took the left ball joints out and got a good look-see in there at the spring mount or the "lack of"

Whew!! Glad I live in the rust-free belt.



Like Daniel said I think allthe parts between the 250's and 350's are the same on the frames and spring mounts. It should work.





Nice pics of the shrubbery Bill. You design that around all your spare parts to keep the neighbors happy?

 

[bgilbert]

Nice pics of the shrubbery Bill. You design that around all your spare parts to keep the neighbors happy?

LOL, I couldn't even see the pile with all the weeds growing up over it . I had to dig a bunch out to snap the pic, hope there ain't no poison ivy back there :-laf. All the good stuff is either in the basement or the garage .

 

[unclemarc]

Sad day

Greenleaf,theres an outfit out of Hartman,Arkansas that is parting out a 92 d250,I did'nt catch the phone# but I'm sure you can find them easily. Hopethis helps you out. Ialmost forgot i'ts on e-bay. unclemarc

 

[MBergman]

Scott,

I'm heading through Arkansas and Ohio on my way to Detroit on the 17th. Let me know if you need anything delivered to you.

Marc

 

[Greenleaf]

Philip, you know how to get in touch with James???



Bill, If the two upper spring towers are in good shape I may take that off your hands and use all of it or parts. Could it find it's way to SOP?

 

[MMiller]

you know how to get in touch with James???

PM sent, also sent it to the Bus Garage email addy.



Michael

 

[bgilbert]

Philip, you know how to get in touch with James???



Bill, If the two upper spring towers are in good shape I may take that off your hands and use all of it or parts. Could it find it's way to SOP?

Yeah, I'll bring it with me to SOP3 and you can see what you think about it. Hopefully I'll have the engine sitting in the crew cab by then. I'm only keeping it for something to look at. If not, I'll take some pics and measurements, no biggie.

 

[Greenleaf]

Thank you Bill.

 

[1stgen4evr]

Hummm. Couple of times I started to open this thread but didn't want to hear about a dead truck. Figured some drunk had plowed the side out of it. Got Steves PM and looked. Michael, we need to get you in on this as well. I have the cab off the Texas truck that Steve may want the front suspension from. Don't know about cutting the frame. It has a flatbed securely welded on. Someone might want to build a truck. Cab is off, engine and transmission is out. Got a Florida hull as well but there is some rust on the rockers and such. Probably need to do the rest on PM.



James

 

[MMiller]

Hummm. Couple of times I started to open this thread but didn't want to hear about a dead truck. Figured some drunk had plowed the side out of it. Got Steves PM and looked. Michael, we need to get you in on this as well. I have the cab off the Texas truck that Steve may want the front suspension from. Don't know about cutting the frame. It has a flatbed securely welded on. Someone might want to build a truck. Cab is off, engine and transmission is out. Got a Florida hull as well but there is some rust on the rockers and such. Probably need to do the rest on PM.



James

Do you mean Scott, instead of Steve? And I may be missing your point, but why do you want me in on this? I'm far from being in the middle? I'm just a big dummy up here, and now I'm lost. I'll help where/when possible, but am lost now.



Sorry no parts trucks at my place right now. James, have you opened up the thread on Smoke over Peru #3 yet? Your presence, or presents, or both has been requested.



Michael

 

[1stgen4evr]

Just pulled a two night on the road drive. My fingers and brain are worn too thin. I meant Scott, but the fingers went to the wrong file in my brain. Will PM tonight or in the morning. I was thinking about your wanting some cab parts and me wanting those axles and somebody doing the driving that would get it all together.



Will open the Smoke Over thread.



James