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'72 Crossmember Questions

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by 72Greg, Dec 22, 2018.

  1. Dec 22, 2018
    72Greg

    72Greg New Member

    Loudon NH
    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2017
    Messages:
    10
    My 72 cj-5 has a good solid frame with only one issue which is this cross-member. It has a small hole and the steel is also very thin in the area around the hole (way to thin to weld). Also, this seems to be two pieces sandwiched together. As you can see in the pictures, the two pieces are separating. So I'm left with two questions; One, what is the reason for this being a two piece unit (strength???), and two, should this be completeley replaced and if so do I need to fab one or can this piece be bought? My whole project has been moving along pretty smooth, this is the only place i'm stumped. Never really done frame work before. Any input is GREATLY appreciated!

    [​IMG][​IMG]




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  2. Jan 5, 2019
    73cj5

    73cj5 Member

    Maine
    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2004
    Messages:
    903
    Its probably best to fab up a new one out of square tubing.
     
  3. Jan 5, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    Be sure to allow room for up travel in the rear end if you fab one up. I used a straight piece of tube and had to notch the center so the pinion wouldn’t hit while wheeling.
     
  4. Jan 5, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    It seems to me that the further back on the frame you go, the more likely rust-through is present. Salt splash seems to get prgressively worse as you move from front to back. Also, the frames on these Jeeps seem to outlast the bodies universally. If you have a Jeep with a good body and a rotten frame, that's contrary to the usual situation. With it torn down as much as your pictures show, I would be inclined to look for a replacement frame from the south or west. You could certainly repair the existing frame, but I think you'd want to media blast the existing frame and then add steel wherever the frame steel is not structurally sound. Once you start removing rust, I think you'll find more places you want to repair other than that one cross member.
     
  5. Jan 6, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    On my frame the only soft spot was that crossmember it rotted because the mice made a nest in the hollow spot in the middle. It got wet and made rust. Fixed the rust and have used fluid film since with no additional rust problems. Just check the rest before you get carried away fixing things.
     
  6. Jan 13, 2019
    Pookie

    Pookie New Member

    Mass
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Messages:
    31
  7. Jan 13, 2019
    Pookie

    Pookie New Member

    Mass
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Messages:
    31
    I strap welded mine with 3/16 and also the whole frame. I had the same issue with rot. No problem welding as the steel was thick enough at the curled edges
     
  8. Jan 13, 2019
    Pookie

    Pookie New Member

    Mass
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Messages:
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    2C50747F-2D5F-48EB-A3D7-E2DDC07275DD.jpeg Al in all it came out pretty good
     
  9. Jan 20, 2019
    72Greg

    72Greg New Member

    Loudon NH
    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2017
    Messages:
    10
    thanks for all of the reply's. I actually stumbled across a frame for a 73 someone had for real short money a couple towns over from me. All clean, PORed and ready to build. I'm going to worry about fixing the original frame after this project is built. It will be a good start to project number 2:D
     
  10. Jan 20, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
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