Stock subframe damage [Archive]

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01somta

01-20-2008, 09:16 AM

I tore down my stock subframe and notice all the oops that have happened to the subframe over the past 40 yrs. I have a couple hairline cracks, which I'm not to worried about. I'll probably just grind a groove in the cracks and then have it welded up. Then only real concern is a pretty big dig/dent in the frame. I was wondering what would be the best way to fix this, what about heating it up and then hammering it back in place? Here are a couple pics of the dig/dent and a couple of the cracks (close up and far away of the cracks).

Dent
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/fish451983/SUBFRAME2MSPAINT.jpg
Dent
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/fish451983/SUBFRAME3MSPAINT.jpg
PS crack close up
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/fish451983/SUBFRAME4MSPAINT.jpg
PS crack far away
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/fish451983/SUBFRAME6MSPAINT.jpg
DS crack close up
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/fish451983/SUBFRAME7MSPAINT.jpg

01somta

01-20-2008, 09:17 AM

DS crack far away
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/fish451983/SUBFRAME9MSPAINT.jpg

cetchup

01-20-2008, 12:16 PM

The dent is probably the easy fix . It's Always best to straighten a frame
cold, but in this area a little heat won't hurt. The stress cracks are a more serious concern. Before You try to fix them take it to a reputable frame shop
and have it checked for Square, Level,and twist on all planes. Then have a Pro. do the welds. Rearwards of suspension is not an area to learn how to weld on. Looks like it's been on a Baja Run. Good Luck , Jimmy
This one looked like that,but not cracked. http:www.lateral-g.net/members/jjohnson/

bigtyme1

01-20-2008, 04:07 PM

I'm in the middle of welding my sub frame as well. Do I weld the whole seam from front to back? even over the factor weld or would that be wasting time? or just wear the factory missed?

68protouring454

01-20-2008, 04:28 PM

grind all factory welds to clean them up, then stitch weld frame jumping around so as to not heat one area up to much so it pulls just like body work

awr68

01-20-2008, 04:36 PM

I had a simular bend/dent as you and just hammer/dollied it back to shape. Then I stitch welded the entire frame....moving all around of course! ;)

bigtyme1

01-20-2008, 04:41 PM

Anthony, Throw me some picks. Do I weld the center cross member under the oil pan? I got the internet set up in the garage, this is great.