Frame cracked

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Wrench_Shaker, Jan 5, 2018.

  1. Wrench_Shaker

    Wrench_Shaker Bobtail Member

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    One of our trucks came in to get air bag fixed. I we notice it had cracked frame develop at the torsion bar location on front rear axle. Also the it's got the suspension stop located there. Which was freshly bottoming out.

    Between little loose torque rod bushing, the driver taken off for day before suspension is air up, Going off road, also up dirt mountains roads and being single frame tandem axle. It didn't have a chance at a long healthy life.

    What do you think would be the oppositions? I'm think it's gone far enough it will be a loosing battle and need to be new frame section replace. Then it needs to stay out the mountain back roads, sine it's not double framed for off roading or mountains dirt roads

    I'm think we are asking too much off roading for a single frame tandem axle truck.
     
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  3. Jazz1

    Jazz1 Road Train Member

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    I would fish plate the cracked area of frame so truck could continue working but looks like the unit just not up to the task.
     
  4. baha

    baha Road Train Member

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    Slow down the truck on off road?
     
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  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    That's a pretty wicked crack. May not be a bad idea to consider a re-rail with new 3/8" rails.
     
  6. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    From the rust at the cracks that did not just happen. A leaking air bag could likely have allowed the axle to excessively beat on the stop causing more damage.
    I used to see a lot of that kind of damage on fertilizer spreader trucks. We would strip the brackets off that, v the cracks out, straighten it up and weld it. Lay another rail over that one and like to have at least an extra foot on each side of the damage. If you can span from crossmember to crossmember is better. If a rail can be found with flanges to go over the top and bottom is best but you can end the top at the bottom of the 5th wheel bracket if needed. Drill and bolt every hole in your existing frame and maybe some more.
    A good job would out last the truck and a good certified pipe welder is can be a good investment.
    New rails are best! Is the truck worth it?
     
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  7. Wrench_Shaker

    Wrench_Shaker Bobtail Member

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    About what I thought thanks for info.
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2018
  8. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    Last rail I priced was for an 87 Autocar. It was the main or full length rail on a triple rail frame both sides were cracked. That was $5,000 twenty plus years ago.They said it came with all the holes drilled from the front of the bumper to the back of the cab. Sounds like time to buy a truck.
     
  9. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Don't forget to drill out the ends of the crack to make sure you stop it from spreading.
     
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  10. Wrench_Shaker

    Wrench_Shaker Bobtail Member

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    Original frame is extended to fit a tank so you need one oem plus fab the extension on.

    It's like they extended the frame to make it a dump truck custom
     
  11. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    There are companies that'll build you a blank rail to any dimensions you want. Drilling isn't that hard as long as you take the time to lay everything out accurately.

    FWIW I priced out 2 brand new undrilled rails from KW for my W900A and the were about $9k each IIRC. Ended up having blank rails made for about $50/foot.
     
    Oxbow Thanks this.
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