So I guess It happened to me too... *Updated and FIXED!!!

[Chevy305]

So doing a little inspection of my truck today while I was doing some basic maintainance, I thought I'd look at the frame at the steering box. This is what I found:





I suspect that its been like this for a while based on the dirt/grease over the cracks.

Sucks too, I have the ORD bolt on brace sitting in my garage awaiting instalation . Oh well I guess I'll be getting the weld on kit too .

 

[Chrisblazzer89]

I have to do the same thing to my truck.

 

[sarasotausmc]

yep

We did a 3/4 swap in mine, and though we didn't see any cracks, we did find the bolts to the steering box were loose. I have no idea how long they have been that way, but am sure that it tends to lead to frame cracks. I do plan on cleaning up around it this weekend and checking closely.

Looks like you caught that in time to fix it a little easier than some other posts that have been on here.

 

[Chevy305]

Until I can get the chance to have someone weld up the frame do you guys think it would be a good idea to install the bolt on brace to help prevent further cracking? Or maybe if I start to mess with it it'll start to get worse?

 

[ryoken]

just be aware of it and be cool... avoid those full-lock turns.. drove mine way worse than that..

 

[Chevy305]

just be aware of it and be cool... avoid those full-lock turns.. drove mine way worse than that..

Ya I don't think it'll be a problem really at all to drive it around. I'll just make sure not take corners as fast.

Ever since I got the truck there has been play in the steering and it hasn't gotten any better or worse for the 2 years or so I've had it and drove it as my DD.

 

[ryoken]

when mine was like that, you would here the frame "clicking" as the pieces of metal snapped past each other..

honestly, depending on tire size, i would just do a proper crack repair (stop drill, v-grind, weld, grind flush) then run the bolt on...

i was not happy at all with the weld on.. have it, didn't use it.. just did a good repair and its been fine for 2 yrs.. i'm gonna add the bolt-in for sure.....

but i'm not sure what i'll do about bracing the frame. when i go to 37's i'll either mod the weld-in or come up with something else...

 

[gmc4cw]

Its a good thing you caught that.

If I were going to fix that I would do the method Ryoken mentioned. then on the back side I would weld big thick washers around the mounting holes. that will spread some of the stresses further out. the weld on patch never fits right.

when you reinstall the box use red loc-tite on the bolts. you only want to fix this once. here are pics of mine.

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=200161&highlight=frame+crack

 

[Chevy305]

UPDATE!! Got it fixed w/ ORD's Kit

Ok so I got the frame fixed!!

And I installed the ORD bolt in brace. I must say that the steering is SO MUCH tighter! Absolutely no more wandering! I am extremely happy with the outcome!! Now I can go wheelin' again!!!

The real funny thing is that there were actually no real cracks in the frame. I just thought they were because of the oil/dirt/grease/surface rust made it seem that way. Apparently it was actually cracked paint that was coming up check out the last picture for more clearity. Also the other pictures are of the ORD bolt on brace.

Ok check out the pics:

 

[Chevy305]

Oh wait, what should the bolts be torqued to?

 

[99GmcClassic]

How come you didnt put the front brace in?

 

[MuddinManny]

How come you didnt put the front brace in?

x2! Adding the weld on at the same time would give you the premium package on frame reinforcement and would only ensure the tightness in the steering due to absolutely NO frame flex.

Just my .03 at the current rate of inflation.

Manny

 

[Chevy305]

How come you didnt put the front brace in?

I thought it was for the later years

 

[sled_dog]

I thought it was for the later years

it is, they missed the age of your rig.

 

[Chevy305]

it is, they missed the age of your rig.

Oh ok good! lol

 

[MuddinManny]

Oh ok good! lol

What did I miss?

 

[Chrisblazzer89]

So do you still have the weld on kit?

 

[surpip]

Oh wait, what should the bolts be torqued to?

really ****ing tight

 

[Chevy305]

So do you still have the weld on kit?

No never bought the weld on kit...


Manny I don't think you missed anything, just that my frame is an 85...

 

[99GmcClassic]

I have the front steering box brace on my 84.