How to fix Frame Cracks?

Well, I found another crack in the frame. At the front hanger for the drivers side rear spring.

I welded it up but am really worried about this. This is the third one on the jeep.

I've fixed all of them with a simple weld but the term "cracked frame" has always been used as an ugly word.

Is my frame substandard all of a sudden because of these cracks? even though I've repaired them?

It's hard to explain but I always rate my jeep as though I were selling it to someone. I'd give a list of all the good and then a list of all the bad and when I get to the part about the cracked frame I sort of just drop my head and say it. Know what I mean?

 

Yes John, I know just what you mean.

I'm curious to hear from our experienced members. I'v been welding them too. And more often in an effort to keep up. Every time I look real close I find another.

 

I have heard of people welding a square or diamond shaped piece of steel plate diagonally to tractor trailer frames with cracks. You scab the plate over the crack and just weld the corners. I know that is not much to go on.

 

Actually as long as I'm planning on keeping it...I don't really wory about them. I can weld in gussets or whatever and I'm sure it'll hold.

It's just that "cracked frame" has always been used as a walking away point if considering buying one of our jeeps.

Would it be safe to say that a cracked frame really isn't a big deal as long as it's fixed properly?

 

John: If the search feature is working OK, do a search on here. There has been quite a bit discussed about it. I even printed up one of the posts and saved it. I ask Gerry (my Hot Rod building friend) and he concurred that that was the best way. Mine has been boxed and braced in 3 of the 4 spring frame mounts. It was done the correct way by NOT welding "accross" the frame.

Cracks in the frame are no big deal if repaired correctly. IMHO.

 

Thanks...that's what I wanted to hear.

 

I'd say as long as its fixed right its no biggie.\
When its fixed its no longer cracked.

 

John: You're welcome. I found the printed article after I posted above, but there is no reference as to author or date. If you want, I can scan it and e-mail it to you (it's short, 1/3 page). Sort of self explainatory, but you may need some interpretation. I had to read it about 4 times to figure out what he was saying but after I talk to my friend it all made sense.

Just let me know.

 

That's allright Jim. I had an old welder run a bead on it this weekend and I'll just keep an eye on it.

My brake line is directly behind it so I didn't want to fool with boxing or anything like that right now. I'll just see how good the weld holds up.

 

John: Know what you mean. A while ago someone was discussing the "rear" brake line light switch sensor. I never saw one back there. Why? It was behind a 8" boxed section of the drivers rear spring frame mount! Can get to it OK, but can't reallly see it unless you are looking for it.

 

I had the frame crack on the driver's rear where the top of the shackle was inside the "c" channel and and the bottom was flat with the bottom of the "C" channel, I got the thing down to the race shop and measured the frame rail where the hanger was supposed to be and cut a piece of 1 3/4" x .125 chrome moly tubing and installed one on both rear corners. Now there is nowhere for the frame to move. It looks like this.

frame > -----
frame > l lll < tubing
frame > l lll
frame > -----
hanger> l l

I have a small block Chevy under the hood and the poor thing likes to squat on the left rear.

 

mine was cracked on both sides of the front. fixed by boxing the frame, and gusseting.

 

You guy's should see what is under my rig for a frame! It has been welded "many' times. boxed in places, for now it is "holding" I think. I have not acutally looked it over lately.... I agree with granding a V if possible, and using a large Mig, or stick welder. I would also run a few beads across the rack area to beef it up. At the front mount of rear springs I boxed it as the frame was bending there! When I replaced the rear hangers for the shackles I tossed out everything the last fella did, and built my own. What was left was beyond salvage.
-Hill