frame cracks

[gengelman]

I have heard of the frame around the steering box cracking on Dodge pick-ups. Does anybody have a comprehensive knowledge of this problem...such as what years and models were affected....were recalls issued...can welding fix it? My 1984 RAM 1500 with only 26,000 original gentle miles has this problem. A suspension and frame shop welded it and it immediately re-fractured at all the welds. I am the original owner. Vehicle was never abused or wrecked and was meticulously cared for. Appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

[fredjacksonsan]

Ouch. That's no good. I'm not aware of any recalls, but I can offer a suggestion. Get your welding guy to weld a plate, or sleeve, to cover the cracks and a few inches beyond, then drill & bolt the ps unit back on. You may have to make allowances for clearance due the the thickness of the sleeve, but it should be stronger once he's done. Just an idea.

Also, check here:

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/warranty_trbl.htm

There may be some help, although with an older model there may not.

[HemiGottaLuvIt]

I concur with fredjacksonsan's comments. I've never heard of this with Dodge. But, I've heard of it with Ford's and it happened to my CJ-7! Welding a plate (several actually) and running bolts through solved the problem.

[CrucialConcepts]

I did a search to see if there was any recalls on your truck this is all it came up with...

Make : DODGE Model : RAM 50 Year : 1984
Manufacturer : CHRYSLER CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 84V157000 Recall Date : DEC 03, 1984
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 6755
Summary: THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT MAY DEVELOP AN OIL LEAK.

Consequence:

Remedy: OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MODIFIED TYPE FREE OF CHARGE.

Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 2.6 LITER ENGINES.SYSTEM: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE LEAK MAY LEAD TO AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE ANDPOSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.NOTE: IMMEDIATE REPAIR IS NECESSARY IN THE INTERESTS OF PASSENGER SAFETY.

My sugestion would be to go to a Shop that Installs Hydraulics and have your frame repaired and wraped. When you put Hydros on your truck and get to hoppen 2-3 Ft in the Air things tend to crack so they are used to repairing frames and re-enforcing the frame to prevent this from happening again and again...

I saw your profile and being that your in Cali you shoulding have a problem finding a Hydro Shop... Tell one of my Fellow Latino Brothers from a different Mother to hook you up...

[gengelman]

Thank you Fred, Hemi,and Crucial and any repies I missed. Thanks for the search. I thought it was relatively common. 1/4 " plates have now been welded around the steering box mounts, inside and out. The front crossmember rivets were very loose and were welded also. A welding shop near Prior & University Ave. in St. Paul Minnesota did the job plus installing my Draw-Tite frame hitch for $250 total. The first simple bead welds that cracked were done by a suspension shop at Polk & Bush in San Francisco for $1200. Live and learn.