Frame Repair for Steering Box

[kwissman]

My frame did not have any cracks or problems when we left for a day wheeling trip on Saturday. Now the steering box has pulled the front two bolts and spacers on the inside through the frame and the back side is bent inward. The holes are the same size as the spacers on the front now. I have not taken it apart yet to see how bad it is, but I have a question about the weld in repair kit.

Can this be fixed with the weld in repair kit and the brace or will it stil be weak since the hole is now about 3/4" from the spacer?

How thick is the metal in this kit. I am thinking about plating on the inside of the frame also to give it more strength and building a brace to tie into the crossmember.

Thanks

Kent

 

[4X4HIGH]

Start with the weld in kit then add as you see fit.

 

[Chaddy]

The weld in brace will work wonders, but I would also get the bolt in brace with it.

 

[miniwally]

The weld on kit is another "frame section" that gets welded on over the top of the existing stuff.

To do it you first need to get the existing frame back to where it can be welded up. Stop drill all the cracks, V the Cracks out with a grinder and weld them up.

Then grind the frame smooth and lay the frame repair section over it and put 4 bolts in the holes. Thighten the bolts up to help pull the two pieces together. Then you will probably need to use a big hammer to convince the repair piece to lay on the frame correctly.

Weld the patch on. Bolt the steering box on and use the bolt on kit as well.

You should not have problems with this area for quite sometime after doing this repair.

 

[kwissman]

Is the weld on kit enough since the holes for the bolts are completly pulled through or do I need to add additional plating on the inside of the frame to strengthen. The bolts and spacer would only be tightening up against the repair plate since the front two bolts and spacers pulled through the frame.

 

[4X4HIGH]

If you can make up a thick plate for the inside of the frame you can't go wrong. Thickness in this area is a big help.

 

[Fry]

you could add some reinforcement washers on the back side...