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K5 frame repair

A

apache

1/2 ton status
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Nov 2, 2008
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Location
Central coast of Kali
Im bummed,I missed seeing some weld repairs and cracks on the Blazer I picked up which I thought was a virgin. Time for a gusset plate, brace and new box with no leaks I suppose. My questions are,does the repair plate go inside or outside the frame rail? also any tips on type of rod to use or settings with a Lincoln 225 buzz box?? I can do pretty good with a MIG but not so good with a buzz box,damn shaky hand syndrome:o
 
Is the frame cracked around the steering box? That is the common place for the frame to crack and you have said something about replacing the "box" also. I just want to confirm to tell you the weld on frame repair kits for around the steering box area welds to the outside of the frame.
BTW, were about on "Central coast of Kali" are you at?
 
We`re outside Santa Margarita a bit and I work in south county. My box is leaking from both ends and making a mess so I figured might as well swap it out while at it. the frame has some existing welds by the lower rear hole and a crack I see running horizontally I think it was. At work we have a Miller synwave 350,new Lincoln MIG and older Miller MIG and 2 highly skilled welders but logistics make for some hassles without making a spectacle of things. Id rather do it myself but Im a bit hesitant at home with the buzz box. I would consider a shop but can imagine what there gonna charge and dont really know of one. I figured I could probably buy a new 180 Lincoln for not much more than a shop might charge and do it at home without question of quality,either that or bribe one of my guys from work to head out my way to weld it up.
I still have to get a plate kit,brace kit and box before doing anything though.
 
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It's been about 20 or so years since I've used the Lincoln 225, if we are taking about the same welder (the tombstone welder). If you can mig, than you already know the basics. I believe, and please don't quote me as it really has been years, set it at 135 using 6018 rod and give it a try. If you're not happy with the welds grab the grind and grind them off and try again. Good luck.
 
One thing I did after I repaired my frame (the bolts pulled through the box) is run bolts that run all the way through the box and put a lock nut. Gave me a little peace of mind along with the frame repair and a brace.
 
If your not confident in your welding, this is one place I would lean towards bribing one of the welders in your shop to swing by. Would take a pro less than an hour if you prep everything as best you can.
 
Steering is very definitely one area where you want high quality welds.

The weld-on reinforcement kits do not fit nearly as well as the advertising leads you to believe. The plate that goes on the outside of the frame will require some "persuading" to fit against the frame properly, (at least that was my experience).

There is a second plate that is welded to the bottom of the frame as well.
 
yeah, me too. I had to use a 2 1/2 lb hammer to reshape the side plate in the raised areas around the bolt holes. That was harder than welding on the plate.
 
I wondered about how well it would fit up without some mods. i ordered up a gusset kit and brace setup from ORD. Im gonna swap boxes also and whatever it needs while at it. I think its time to invest in my own MIG as using works is a PITA working with limites on time etc. Lookin forward to getting that end of things fixed up. Hummmm,whats next...where do I start:whistle:
 
I got my weld-on kit from Off Road Design as well. I was glad to give them the business, as they sponsor this forum. Also, I had not done business with them before and was curious as to they quality of their products.

When the package arrived I was surprised (and disappointed) to see that the kit was actually made by Rough Country (IIRC), and ORD was just re-selling it.

When your kit comes, read the instructions as they say you should skip weld the plates and not run a bead all the way around.
 
Wasatch K5 said:
When the package arrived I was surprised (and disappointed) to see that the kit was actually made by Rough Country (IIRC), and ORD was just re-selling it.
Click to expand...

Most shops can't make everything they sell. I think diy4x.com is one of the exceptions.
 
Kenny,

That may very well be the case, but with a name like "Off Road Design" I would have thought it was their product.

Either way, their price was good and their customer service was excellent.
 
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