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Frame Break

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by jzeber, Mar 3, 2020.

  1. Mar 3, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
    Messages:
    3,323
    Pics from the frame break. I am not sure what the fix is yet. Maybe clean up where it broke, try to fill it in and then lay a piece of steel over it. Weld that to the frame. Mount the spring hanger on the frame with bolts and weld. Should I try the angle on the bottom and inside?
    From below: "Frame 2"
    From inside the frame. It tore away right at the spot where the boxed frame ends: "Frame 3"
    Piece of frame removed from the spring hanger: "Frame 1"
    Previous owners Bubba fix: "Bubba"
    Leaf spring bushing: "Bushing"
    Open to any and all suggestions.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Mar 4, 2020
    commanlerwrangdo

    commanlerwrangdo Member

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2014
    Messages:
    470
    Well jzeber, I've fixed many a frame in the past 30 years or so, so I'll toss my 3 cents in.
    #1 - Bubba patch has to be removed.
    #2 - All rotted OE frame needs to be discovered.
    #3 - Cut out said rotten OE frame. Hopefully you can leave the top rail for reference and measurement.
    #4 - Fabricate first repair piece out of a suitable angle iron. I would make this from a 4 inch by 2 inch section with length as required.
    #5 - Size that first piece to fit into the damaged area and mimic the OE frame. The 4 inch part making the side and the 2 inch forms the bottom. It does not have to be a squared fit to the old frame, an angle here can be your friend and add strength.
    #6 - Measure and drill any needed holes.
    #7 - Weld in the first piece along with any nuts you want to remain captive.
    #8 - Fabricate the other side from a flat stock plate 4 inches wide and fit as you did the first piece.

    Hope that helps. Yes, it's a bit of work, but it can be as good as new or better if done right.
     
    47v6, jzeber and ITLKSEZ like this.
  3. Mar 4, 2020
    willys59cj5

    willys59cj5 Sponsor

    Gilroy, CA
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    Jun 1, 2005
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    660
    Ouch Jeff. That’s one heck of a crack:rolleyes::rolleyes:
     
    jzeber likes this.
  4. Mar 4, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    Nov 15, 2003
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    The frame is not rotted, I think the years of abuse took a toll on it. I will clean up where the break is and fill it in or I thought about laying a piece inside the frame and welding that in. Drill the holes for the spring hanger and then welding a piece on the bottom of the frame. Re attached spring hanger.
     
  5. Mar 4, 2020
    jeepermc

    jeepermc Active Member

    Western WA
    Joined:
    May 25, 2011
    Messages:
    1,188
    Jzeber- Had that happen to one of the rear hangers on my dad's M38 years ago. It was repaired, but we went outboard on the springs at that point so that mount wasn't re-used.
     
  6. Mar 4, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    I had to repair both rear and the other front. Pics of the rear repair.
     

    Attached Files:

    jeepermc and Rich M. like this.
  7. Mar 8, 2020
    willys59cj5

    willys59cj5 Sponsor

    Gilroy, CA
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    Jun 1, 2005
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    Your rear frame repair looks good! Much better than the front repair the previous owner did. If you need a hand Jeff let me know! I have a little Hobart Mig 140 110v and a Tig Machine in my garage. We could tig the little pieces together if that would help. Ryan
     
  8. Mar 8, 2020
    willys59cj5

    willys59cj5 Sponsor

    Gilroy, CA
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    My bad didn’t realize the little pieces were the bushing LOL.
     
  9. Mar 8, 2020
    cj6/442

    cj6/442 Sponsor

    Fallbrook, Calif
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    you done a good job there Jeff.
     
  10. Mar 27, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    Hope to get to this over the weekend. I think I will cut a patch for the frame and weld it in. Then cut a piece that is longer and lay it on the bottom of the frame, maybe 6 inches on each side of the break. Fish mouth this and drill some holes to spot weld. Drill holes through both for the spring mount. Weld both pieces of steel in place, mount the spring hanger and weld it on too.
     
  11. Mar 27, 2020
    willys59cj5

    willys59cj5 Sponsor

    Gilroy, CA
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    Would enjoy seeing your work when you carry it out this weekend. Pics please:watch::watch::watch:
     
  12. Mar 27, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    I can't say I am a good welder but what I have done as held up so far. I'll make sure to get pics. Hoping to get some time. Bathroom is almost finished and only have 1 other project for the weekend.
     
  13. Apr 15, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    I can't believe I finally got some time to work on my Jeep. I cut a "patch" for the piece of frame missing and drilled holes for the spring hanger. I also cut the "strap" piece for the bottom of the frame. I need to bend the strap and drill holes for the hanger. Hope to get some pics tomorrow.
     
    FugginJim likes this.
  14. Apr 19, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    I started welding the patch in and ran out of wire. Hope to get more wire tomorrow and some pictures.
     
  15. Apr 19, 2020
    willys59cj5

    willys59cj5 Sponsor

    Gilroy, CA
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    Nothing more frustrating than getting going on a project, then realizing you don’t have what’s needed. If you need wire Jeff be glad to send some your way.
     
  16. Apr 19, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    Thanks for the offer Ryan but a few local places sell it and I need to get out of here even if just for a few minutes. I finally get time to work on it and this happens. Maybe I can get down and make a store run today.
     
  17. Apr 19, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    Picked up wire today and hope to get back to it tomorrow.
     
    Muzikp likes this.
  18. Apr 22, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    Here is a picture of the frame patch partially welded. Now that I have wire I need to get back to it.
     

    Attached Files:

    Buildflycrash likes this.
  19. Apr 28, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    Finally trying to wrap this up. I welded the "strap" to the frame and spring hanger to the strap. Waiting for a new spring bushing to arrive. I had 4 extras floating around for about 4 years before I moved and of course I can't find them. Pics tomorrow.
     
    Muzikp and fhoehle like this.
  20. May 5, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    My Jeep is now back on the ground. I have a couple other little things to do, power steering squeak and new oil pressure gauge install. Pic 1 is the bottom of the frame and pic 2 from the side.
     

    Attached Files:

    Fireball likes this.
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