Cracked frame & hanger damage *pics*

Hey…

I was looking underneath the CJ5 while trying to identify all the places that I get play in my steering and found some damage to the frame, and hangers that hold the leaf springs on in the front. The frame flexes/rolls a tad when the steering wheel is turned, and the front of the leaf springs moves from side to side a tad when the wheels are turned.

The frame has rusted thin and then cracked as you can see in the picture. It has a cheap patch on there. How should I go about fixing this?



Then there are the front leaf spring hangers. The holes are wallowed out big time. I guess I should replace these huh? Who sells them?

 

Holy crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is some serious rot!!!!!!!!!!!!!! how is the rest of the frame? I have seen guys replace the front portion by splicing...but with that kind of rust I have to believe the rest of the frame is pretty bad as well.

 

Those front spring hangers would definately impart some handling problems. I have never seen one with even a third the slack those have. Replacement time!

 

The rest of the frame is in good shape... Just that one spot right now I'm taking the PTO winch off so I can see about welding some there.

How the heck do you disconnect the dawgone PTO shaft???

 

Ok.. More pokin around... And I see this thing is been neglected and abused bad..... I'm wondering if it's worth the effort to mess with?

 

If you can't get the drive lines apart, like mine, take the PTO off the transfer case, make sure or try to loosen all the set screws on the Ujoints, soak them in PB blaster over night and get a hammer and hit the edge of the rear Ujoint rearward.....one is bound to let go. Also take off the carrier bearing housing on the bell housing before you hit it. At least that way you can get the unit off and then mess with getting it all apart

 

They make replacement parts to fix your front spring hangers.
http://www.kaiserwillys.com/product/1490/willys-jeep-suspension-shackles-parts-accessories

 

would weld a "fish" plate (aka diamond shape) over the cracked area of the frame. Be sure and weld it and grind it smooth first.