Well, the truck did get tore up a bit...

[Thumper]

Just took the truck out first time after the weekend. Kinda weird feeling in the steering. Checked things out and find the steering box frame section in pretty bad shape! I knew it was coming, and it was cracked around a couple holes, but now she has progressed beyond safety! So, the plan is to repair it with a chuck of frame off a wreck welded on top of the existing piece. Same as the bought repair, just cheaper! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Mike

 

[Bruiser]

They say you should brace it also or will just crack again. Friend made me a 1/4 plate that hits 3 of the 4 holes and extends 12" along frame. I am going to weld on a way to bolt a cross piece to mount to frame. Then weld all the cracks up and attack the frame patch also.

 

[sled_dog]

did you say that your frame was cracked in multiple spots around the steering box and not only you kept driving it but wheeled it too???????? /forums/images/graemlins/yikes.gif /forums/images/graemlins/screwy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/doah.gif /forums/images/graemlins/eek.gif

 

[Thumper]

Hmm... nothing crazy about it. Its called risk management. You are allowed to look at a problem, assess the risk, and determine if its safe to use or not. The cracks were like 1/2" long, extending from the bolt hole in a straight line along the bottom of the frame where it bends into a 'C'. There were two holes with one 1/2" crack each. It was a pretty tough trip, lots of log crawling, and some deep mud holes so I am not suprised to see it get worse. The important thing is that I realize it is in worse shape, and its now parked. Besides that, it was flat towed to the trail and back... no issues with safety.
Mike