Silverado broken frame

[kent barnes]

I bought a 1999 Chevy Silverado 4 X 4, Z-71, 5.3 automatic with tow, trailer, and camper packages April, 1999. The truck now has 160,000 miles on it. I have gone through three sets of tires. While I was replacing brake pads on the rear of the truck, I noticed the frame was broken completely in two on both sides. The only thing holding it together was the bed and the axle stop brackets. I occasionally tow a tandem axle trailer of about 3500 pounds, and my boat which has a single axle trailer of about 2500 pounds. I suspect that towing the trailers caused the frame to flex. I have since checked two other z-71s, 4 X 4s, and their frames were broken on both sides, except in a different location. As mine was directly above the axle, the other two were broken at the bed bolt access holes on the rear of the frame. I still have an engine knock for the last 150, 000 miles. I had small pieces of metal and shavings on the oil drain plug at my second oil change. It still pulls to the right, even after multiple complaints to the dealer. It still vibrates at 70 mph. I have had the dealer replace the rear side window seal replaced twice, and it still does not seal. The throttle sticks. It idles rough. There is clunking in the rear when I hit a hole or bump. The front makes a popping noise. The right front fender is off color and has been since I bought it. I mentioned it to the dealer, but they sluffed it off. I have replaced the u-joints twice. The locking differential no longer works. I have replaced the rack-pinion. I still have the original front brake pads and they are still good. I just thought I would let other truck owners be aware of all the problems I have had with this vehicle that is supposed to be built like a rock, that if they haul loads or pull trailers, they should be checking the frames of these vehicles. My truck was out of warranty in 11 months, but it was in the shop about 10 times during that 11 months for the different problems described above.

Future Dodge owner,
Kent Barnes

[J-Ri]

Do you have any pictures of the break? I've never seen a broken frame that wasn't caused by 20+ years of rust, and certainly not one that had gone un-noticed.

[waterboy1381]

To fix a broken frame first check if it is heat treated. You probably have a C-channel frame on your truck. If you do and its not heat treated.. get a small section of steel c-channel put it in place and weld it on.. easy as that. For a full box frame do the same, and then place a steel plate on the spot not enclosed due to the C-frame and weld that in. Then drill any/all holes needed for brake/fuel lines, carriage bolts, etc.
-Jut-