I need opinions on a cracked frame repair...

[MrTucker]

I took off the front end and found a nice little crack, right at the front shackle mount on the front passenger side (pic below).


I'm trying to do a restoration on this truck, so swapping it out for a new frame is a last resort - not to mention GMC frames aren't exactly that easy to come by. I know I can get the bend out, and have the crack welded and gusseted, but how strong and reliable is this? The truck probably wont be driven everyday, but I'm going to build it so it could be.


Anybody have any experience here?

[nickp51chevy]

I know that there are a lot of guys doing the S-10 swap (I'm not telling you to) with that in mind I did mine and got a frame that was long. So I had to cut the frame down and weld and plate the frame. I also know that I'm not the only one doing that. If done properly it should be just fine. With good penetration, solid welds, and a properly welded on plate you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Looking at the crack it goes into the rivet. The rivet hole should stop the crack from spreading and like I said weld and plate it and you'll be good to go.

Keep us posted.

[mylow53]

my original frame was cracked as well only more than yours... apparently some high school idiot drove it for a cupple of years real hard (oops that was me) we just welded it up and added some boxing plates in the area and so far so good! i don't think there should be any worries if you add some boxing plates. you shouldn't have to box the whole frame we only did around a foot or so near the front cab mounts...
GT

[dwcsr]

I would weld it up and not grind the weld flat then weld a plate on the underside for strength. Look for other cracks. Ususally they are not alone and caused by flex in the chassis.

[Scottshotrods]

Take a small cutoff wheel and cut into the the crack open up a little then take your welder and weld it up with some good heat and your repair will be done.You can
sand it out if you like and you can run some box plates there if you want.
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by Scottshotrods

Take a small cutoff wheel and cut into the the crack open up a little then take your welder and weld it up with some good heat and your repair will be done.You can
sand it out if you like and you can run some box plates there if you want.
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com

Exactly what I was going to suggest. V it out and weld it up and no harder than you will use it it should be fine. That truck will probably think it won the lottery when you get done with it as compared to the work it had to do in it's past life.