I pulled the bed of my truck today to get ready for some spring work, brakes etc. I new the frame was a little iffy considering being from maine and all. luckly it wasnt to bad, probably weld some 3/16 plate on it in spots where the frame is thinned due to rust.
the problem I have is the cross members are toast the one in the back of the truck is gone literally... previous owner used tow a boat and dunk the rear in the ocean
the cross member that runs over the top of the tank is about toast as well...
the rear Im planning on welding some square stock.. no biggy, but I don't know what to do about the front one...
anyone happen to have one by any chance???

 

I would not weld in a cross member you need some give to allow the frame to flex some. If you don't the welds will just keep breaking.

 

I agree..^^^^^^....best to get new/used parts and then bolt them in with grade 8 bolts, hardened washers and nylock nuts.

 

hmmm... my cousin has welded angle iron onto his frame before with no issues. I remember they were not super thick. Maybe the thickness of an old fold up bed frame or something.

Lots of those thin angle iron beds in the Blue Hill/Surry transfer station bradshaw. I was eyeing them for some other projects and decided they were too thin. Probably just right for what you want.

 

You may get the flex you need from a bed frame but the crossmembers that were in the truck from the factory were close to 3/16" thick. I dont think there will be enough stregnth to them.

 

My cousins truck is a ramp truck. I think he welded a few in there

 

I lucked out when I reworked the frame on the 93. All the cross members were mint. On mine the rails and hangers were spent. You might want to check the lower frame web under the plastic shield that protects the fuel tank. Mine looked like a steak knife there.

 

As far as welding. If its done right there will be no issues. I watch guys cut road tractors in half and add pieces in to make triaxle dump trucks all the time.

 

im more concerned with the crossmember over the tank... doesent look like much fun to fabricate.. anyone have one of those

 

Where are you located?

 

maine.... hence the rust problem. they use this calcium chloride on the roads and it is brutal stuff...

 

Welding a frame back together is one thing but cross members are bolted or riveted in for a reason. I have welded many cross members on big trucks at work and they always seem to break again. The frames on these trucks are not very rigid at all they flex around quite a bit. Just my .02 it is your truck fix her up how you see fit good luck getting her going.

 

I sent you a pm. There are three different frame depths at that member. one of mine is 7 inches, the other is 8 inches. Bust out the tape measure and let me know what you got.