Im not sure how I got this far

[mrk5]

I think being able to see the crack after grinding the weld down, is a sign it wasn't repaired well. On that one, I would grind a V along the crack and then weld it up. That way your weld gets some penetration.

I can see where @ktmoutfront is seeing what looks like a crack in the frame at the steering box. Right above where I drew the red line.

 

[swettysblazer]

I think being able to see the crack after grinding the weld down, is a sign it wasn't repaired well. On that one, I would grind a V along the crack and then weld it up. That way your weld gets some penetration.

I can see where @ktmoutfront is seeing what looks like a crack in the frame at the steering box. Right above where I drew the red line.

View attachment 394011

1973-1991 GM Squarebody Frame Plates

We're here to help you wheel with the right parts! Reliable offroad and 4 wheel drive parts from top manufacturers! Free Shipping on orders $99+!

4xstore.com

Check these out. If you have any questions PM me.

 

[73K5BlazerSS]

Yes both sides have similar cracks near the brake line holes. I gotta do something to strengthen it.

Thanks I'll get the brace.

Like everything the more you read the more confused you get. Some say fish plates are useless... welding to the frame weakens the frame. I'd think a fish plate on the inside would be good but what do I know. I'll see what some welders think.

 

[Fastereddie]

Yes both sides have similar cracks near the brake line holes. I gotta do something to strengthen it.

Thanks I'll get the brace.

Like everything the more you read the more confused you get. Some say fish plates are useless... welding to the frame weakens the frame. I'd think a fish plate on the inside would be good but what do I know. I'll see what some welders think.

Welding to these frames is fine, they’re not heat treated, nor high tensile steel.

 

[73K5BlazerSS]

I think being able to see the crack after grinding the weld down, is a sign it wasn't repaired well. On that one, I would grind a V along the crack and then weld it up. That way your weld gets some penetration.

I can see where @ktmoutfront is seeing what looks like a crack in the frame at the steering box. Right above where I drew the red line.

View attachment 394011

Damn you're right, I thought that was paint that I hadn't brushed off yet. You guys are good.
Yea the welds look like they were done with jumper cables and some batteries.

 

[ryoken]

I would just V your cracks, stop drill em, and burn em in.. smooth it...

i will always recommend both steering braces, weld, and ORD's bolt-in if you're in there... they have the weld-in too.. obviously some heavily modded rigs can't run the bolt-in, but it's a well engineered piece...

I'm a proponent of the stitch welding of the weld-ons.. i usually put some weld thru primer inside the sandwich.. sometimes I actually prime/paint them.. than just grind the 1/2" area of the welds... once done, I'll clean/spot prime it.. seam seal the open joint areas.. than paint...

 

[73K5BlazerSS]

Welding to these frames is fine, they’re not heat treated, nor high tensile steel.

I would just V your cracks, stop drill em, and burn em in.. smooth it...

i will always recommend both steering braces, weld, and ORD's bolt-in if you're in there... they have the weld-in too.. obviously some heavily modded rigs can't run the bolt-in, but it's a well engineered piece...

I'm a proponent of the stitch welding of the weld-ons.. i usually put some weld thru primer inside the sandwich.. sometimes I actually prime/paint them.. than just grind the 1/2" area of the welds... once done, I'll clean/spot prime it.. seam seal the open joint areas.. than paint...

Thanks thats exactly what I'll do. I'll post some pics when I'm done.

 

[1-ton]

As far as removing the body mount bolts you could run into the problem of having the caged nuts that the body mount bolts screw into break loose fromn the cage, and just spin but not unscrew. Then you have to go into the cage that the nut is held from the floor by cutting the floor open.

 

[Bigb55]

I had a small crack form on one of the steering box bumps. Lower rear one. I drilled out the ends, ground it to a v, and filled it in. Closed up nice. Ground it down, painted and installed the ORD brace.

The brace should help prevent it from coming back.