I have replaced the two-piece steering mount bracket with an uncracked one-piece one, and welded the crack in the top of the frame rail. The difference in the way the truck drives now is amazing: no more wandering or shimmying, and I want to keep it this way. What can I do to cure my truck of its crack addiction? Keep the front wheels well-balanced? Avoid hitting the steering stops? Is this even possible to prevent? Any help appreciated.
- Chris

 

If you are talking about the cracks in the frame rail, the older chevys had this same problem. To fix it they offer a kit for the chevys . It consits of a plate that is stamped the same as the frame and is welded ontop. I dont know if the chevy plate will work on the dodge or not but I bet you could get a chunk of good frame rail from a wrecking yard, and cut the section you need, then overlay and weld it to yours. You only use the face of the rail so the top and botom would be cut off so it would but up tight. You other option is to visit some of the off road sites as there are stearing box braces you can buy that bolt on the inside of the frame through the box holes and then tie to the front crossmember to eliminate the flexing that causes the cracks.

 

Thanks for the reply. By cracks, I mean also the mounting bracket. Guess I could have been clearer. I don't want to become proficient at replacing that bracket through lots of practice, so I'd like to preserve the one I just installed. I'll probably do some bracing on the frame when I get the ambition to remove the grille, radiator, etc. Thanks for the ideas.
Chris

 

does the cracking problem occur only on 4WD trucks?

 

Don't know, and don't even know of a 2-by to look at. They aren't real popular around here.
- Chris

 

Mine had cracks in the front frame rails where the crossmember was riveted.