Hello Folks
I have had my truck for almost 6 years with no problems, till now. Squeaks in dash started last year but I was unable to find the cause till I stumbled onto this website. Yep, got the cracks. I ordered the patches from Dodge only to find there are no right side plates left in the dealer network or the warehouse.
Anybody know of a source, anywhere, Canada maybe? If I can't find any then I reckon I'll just weld them up, and reinforce with sheet metal.

I AM NOT GIVING UP MY TRUCK!!!

GW

 

I have the same problem on both sides. I have thought about having them welded like I had the door hinge mount repaired.

 

Thanks Boatnik
The only thing about welding is that it may cause more stress cracks at the weld edges. These cracks aren't the easiest to access either. I would rather use the plates if anyone knows where they can be had (at almost any price ).

I haven't had many problems with my truck, just a pump rebuild w/ injectors (stock) and a tranny replacement w/nv4500. 200,000 and no oil usage yet.
GW

 

the left side you can get at the dealer
as for the right side i am still looking for one

 

How long have you been lookin'?
Orgered the left one today and 24 rivets, glue from NAPA.
GW

 

I welded mine with broad patch and low heat. But they could certainy crack again. I covered the whole area liberally with 'Vulcan' sealer. (rubberized-polyurethane caullking)

 

Looks like I'll have to make a patch for the right side as nobody has chimmed in with a secret location. OOOhhh weeeelllll.
Thanks for sharing the discomfort.
GW

 

I picked up my '91 250 this past August to replace my 29 year old 440 gasser. Stumbled onto this site and just keep learning and smiling!
Hearing about the cowl crack problem (suddenly there is an explanation for "lake floorboard" everytime it rained) I went to the dealer and ordered the patch parts. The parts man said "Only four of those right side pieces left." I didn't realise he meant in the country!?! I considered myself lucky.
Pulled the fenders off, and holy cats - huge gaping holes/ cracks - nearly big enough for the cat to get in!!! I took some pictures, maybe I'll try to post them in the photo section. A few hours of glue, drilling, rivets, some paint and reassembly, now the carpet stays dry.
I was pleasently surprised at the heavy gauge metal in those repair parts - I suspect that there is no way to reproduce them that heavy by hand.
By thy way, there is a repair bracket for the broken map light mount - there were only a dozen of them left in September.

 

I ran a fab shop for years, so a little heat, an anvil, and a hammer, Plus time. It is the hard way. If you bought them this way they would be way to pricey, not 42.00.
Ya'll keep hav'n fun now.
GW

 

I hope that you get those pics posted I am in the process of redoing a 85 crew. Need all the help I can get to fix known problems.

 

well i have the wet carpet in my truck as well after it rains. didnt realize that this was a common problem untill yesterday. so first thang this morning i went and looked. sure enough i have the cracks, bolth sides. according to the dodge dealers here in north florida, and even called back to washington, there are no left side ones to be had.
i geuss i will be making my own. i am a metal smith, and do reparis on aircraft all day long. but those cowls arent the most ideal shape to form a patch for!
mine will have to wait, i am doing a 93 radiator upgrade, with core support. and adding in a 2004 PS intercooler. i am going to have to do some fab work to make the A/C condensor work, so that will be a good time to tackle the cowl cracks.

Bob

 

m new where are the these cowl cracks your talking about? I have no idea what you guys are talking about...

 

If you open the door and then stand next to the fender and look down, you will be able to see them if your cowl is cracked. The 4X4's seem to be more prone to it, but it's not uncommon on 2wd's.

 

I went and checked and Finally a prob my truck dont have

 

I just uploaded the half dozen pictures of my cowl crack repair. I was lucky enough to score a pair of repair pieces. The pics show my repair on the driver side - I don't claim any special abilities, just had the camera handy when I was doing the job.
I was amazed that what appeared through the end of the fender to be a small crack was in fact, on both sides, rather large openings, cracks and tears!

End result - the carpet remains dry!