A new Place to look for frame cracks

[k2mslskier]

Makes me want to go out and check my 86. Hmm. brb. Just checked mine...looks like it may have had the same problem at one time. Where the bolts go through the frame someone has welded some 6"x1.5"x.25" steel plate to the frame to spread out the load. I'll post some pics of it tomorrow. Shock mounts look good though.

 

[k2mslskier]

Here is what my driver's side looks like. The passenger side looks the same.

 

[BowtieBlazer]

yep, looks like someone had that problem at some point in time as well. I wonder why using the spacers between the crossmember and frame on the wider set of holes wouldn't work?

 

[k2mslskier]

I don't know.

 

[dyeager535]

I've got one bolt through the original holes, and one through one of the outer ones, with the stock spacer and a washer or two. Without welding the frame, not enough room left for me to redrill.

Personally I think strength-wise clamping the metal to the frame directly is the best method, as GM did, but with the cracks, maybe it's not so good.

 

[BowtieBlazer]

another pic with the puzzle peice in place before I tack welded it there until I have more time to fool with it and so that it doesnt get lost in the mean time

 

[tch777]

Just a thought but even with the spacers where they were from the factory there is localized stress. I mean they are still supporting all the weight and dealing with similar stresses with the forces transferring to the frame thru the small contact area of the spacers. It looks to me that we should all probably at least brace up the frame in this location with larger washers or some steel plate to help spread the load.

Tim