Frame Crack?

[Dirt1971]

I am just starting to do my homework on purchasing a 71-72 blazer and someone told me that I need to be sure and look at the front left frame to make sure it isnt cracked from the gear box..was the frame cracking in that spot a big problem for these blazers? Also, if you could tell me something to look for (other than the rust) on problems such as this one (if it ever was a problem).....thanks

[rigon4]

on any of the 4wd trucks you have to look at the frame were the steering box mounts to the frame its a weak spot were it bolts up if you get it twisting or beating on it off road they like to creak there

[Huck]

Common issue--look carefully where the bolts go thru the frame. Later versions have a reinforcement section welded there. this problem was actually around quite a while--I had a 58 Impala that had every steering box bolt hole cracked to the other. Front end shook like crazy!

[DANTES JIMMY]

Most Of Them I Ve Seen Have All Had A Hard Off Road Life
General Use I Dont Think It Is A Problem
Ive Also Seen Some Of The Repair Kits Welded In
And I Would Say That It Is Very Fixable
Even If You Find One That Is Cracked

[MiniD]

Mine was cracked below the core support bracket about 8" in front of the steering box. I've seen a few others cracked there also. I'd check the steering box area in general paying particular attention to any point that has a bolt or rivet going through it. Most of these areas are quite accessable and easy to weld. Probably the toughest thing about repairing these cracks is getting any rivets out that are in the way.

That said... These cracks are not something that should be a major factor in your purchase. They're quite easy to repair (comparitavely). Looking for rust at the bottom of the kick panels, rocker panels, rocker boxes, floor boards and window frame are the biggest issues (and most expensive).

[Old Chevy Mech]

Been driving my K5 since 1985 and it has no cracks. I do not play with it off road either. I have worked the pi$$ out of it off road pulling trailers full of firewood, but that doesnt hurt the front end as far as I'm concerned. Another rule of thumb that my Dad drummed into my head was never to turn the wheel until the tire was rolling. As long as it was rolling even slightly it was better on the whole front end. I also made sure the gear box never loosened up. One thing I have done was installed longer bolts that penetrate through the threaded tabs and put nuts on them to ensure they dont move. You can also procure heavy duty washers to put under the head of the bolt. Just my .02.

Frank

[Dirt1971]

thankyou for your replies, last nite I was thumbing threw past threads and came across one that had the same question.....guesss if you search enuff threw these threads you can find your answers....