Knew I shouldn't have looked.....again!

[CKfan]

As with all these old trucks, the years have done their damage. Some things are obvious, others we look for. And if you are looking, ye shall find.

The dreaded frame crack in front of the gear box. Very common but I had high hopes for this K10. Not so lucky, again.

I have fixed this problem more times than I can remember over the years and know that Rough Country and others make frame repair/re-enforcement kits for the 73-91 but was surprised to see that 67-72 repair kits are not available.

Unless my Google is busted or someone just wants me to try harder, I can't find them.

[57taskforce]

ORD’s 73-87 kits work on the 67-72’s as well. I used one on my K20.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=662879&page=6

Post 128 shows the side plate welded up, I used the bottom plate as well but don’t have any pictures.

https://www.offroaddesign.com/steeri...me-repair.html

I still need to add the steering box brace to mine. My swb k10 needs all the same treatment.

[truckster]

I welded mine and fabricated a 1/8" fishplate to reinforce it. It's still holding strong after 10+ years.

[Already Gone]

Is the frame cracking unique to the "K" trucks as I've never heard of frame cracking before.

[Richard]

Am curious as if your truck had the factory frame reinforcement? Both of my 72's have/did, a K20 and K10. No frame cracks stock on either but added the ORD brace on both when modified and I experienced no problems on the first K20 truck. My current 72 is an exception, as it is farther from stock than the last one. None the less, If in your position I would weld up and add the ORD brace. The ORD brace seems to allow for the stock brace in in fitment. So I question whether stock reinforcement was included on all K trucks.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

Is the frame cracking unique to the "K" trucks as I've never heard of frame cracking before.

it is more common on the 73+ 4x4 trucks when modified from stock.

[special-K]

I've never had any frame cracks on any of the many 67-72 K-models I've owned

[CKfan]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

ORD’s 73-87 kits work on the 67-72’s as well. I used one on my K20.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=662879&page=6

Post 128 shows the side plate welded up, I used the bottom plate as well but don’t have any pictures.

https://www.offroaddesign.com/steeri...me-repair.html

I still need to add the steering box brace to mine. My swb k10 needs all the same treatment.

Great info. Checked out your build thread, nice work on that frame horn tip (amount other things). Looks like new.

With frame cracks, depending on the severity and placement of the crack, I sometimes just drill holes to stop more cracking, grind the crack and weld it up but that and bracing is best when cracks are in the steering box area (IMO).

I am surprised many others say they haven't seen this problem in the 67-72. I must be buying all the old Baja jump trucks .

[CKfan]

Originally Posted by Richard

Am curious as if your truck had the factory frame reinforcement? Both of my 72's have/did, a K20 and K10. No frame cracks stock on either but added the ORD brace on both when modified and I experienced no problems on the first K20 truck. My current 72 is an exception, as it is farther from stock than the last one. None the less, If in your position I would weld up and add the ORD brace. The ORD brace seems to allow for the stock brace in in fitment. So I question whether stock reinforcement was included on all K trucks.

Thanks for your input. I am not sure what "factory frame reinforcement" you are referring to. Pictures?

Mine does have some amateur, nightmarish looking piece of metal welded sloppily inside the frame horn which I didn't see at time of purchase due to mud cakes. Also, has more stress cracking up high, visible from the rear only. It appears the P/O had someone "attempt" some sort of fix with "welding" (I know you're out there) Probably noticed the steering box moving the frame horn back and forth and thought this would fix it. Yikes

I am still assessing the mess and not knowing what is under the welding, I will be removing that piece and expect the worse during removal. Luckily I have a replacement piece of frame and cross brace on standby for the job I think really needs to be done. R/R the whole mess! No way I want this mess being attributed to me in the future.

[CKfan]

ORD! You are right. Says they also fit 67-72 right on their web site in FINE PRINT.
Thanks again for all the input. Wouldn't have know they fit without your help. That's why this site is so valuable.

[CKfan]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

Is the frame cracking unique to the "K" trucks as I've never heard of frame cracking before.

Has been common mostly in the 73-91 but I have seen plenty in the 67-72. Most of the time you can't actually see the crack because the steering box hides it from view. In most of my cases, someone would bring in a truck for a steering issue and I could see that when we moved the steering wheel back and fourth, it would "wag" the frame horn. Other times I only found it during tear downs for restore jobs. Attached is a good (but long and slow) You Tube video. Go to 27:15 and watch him demo the problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KAZ...54ZohT5z4pisMf

[Richard]

You can see the front part of the factory piece in this post from my thread https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=251 The small bolted on piece on the lower front steering box bolt is part of the ORD brace.

[CKfan]

Hmmm, the last 68 and 69 I had before this did not have that brace which looks like it would help a lot with the force the steering box puts on the frame at the mounting point. Maybe it is specific to power steering?? Or K20??? I do not know but I will try and hunt a couple down. Will be nice to have in the future. Thanks

[Orefactory4x4 swb]

My 72k10 has this welded on I’ve always wondered about why.
Or factory,but thinking probably not.
Any ideas.

[CKfan]

Anyone know the part number, name on that original piece and who carries it?

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by CKfan

ORD! You are right. Says they also fit 67-72 right on their web site in FINE PRINT.
Thanks again for all the input. Wouldn't have know they fit without your help. That's why this site is so valuable.

No problem man, I’m happy to help. I think the trucks that spend their life on pavement and light off road don’t have the frame issues. The trucks that spend their lives out here in the west on the rough ass dirt roads develop the cracks. My dads 72 K20 came from Tim’s area and has no cracks. Both my K trucks have or had issues… and I know of others around here with similar problems. My truck did not have the factory brace. I think part of the issue is the very front crossmember rivets loosen up over time and allow the frame to flex causing the issues.

[CKfan]

While looking for (but not finding) that factory piece Richard posted, I stumbled across a review someone posted on the frame repair kit that I thought was interesting. The guy used the kit on the inside of the frame instead. Had some logic to it.

[Richard]

In post #14 you can see the factory frame reinforcement as well, stated as a 72 K10. Not sure what the square plate is behind the radiator shroud mount is? Not stock. As said current truck is a 72 K10 and has the reinforcement as well as past 72 K20. Maybe a later year thing?

[Orefactory4x4 swb]

Thank you for the information
I know the old timer bought it new and has passed away
But any thing done he did or knew about it.
The rivets are good on the back side are good and no signs of any cracks.
I was thinking he put it there as just a stiffing up plate for front spring.
I was getting ready to repaint frame, maybe I’ll leave it for be

[Orefactory4x4 swb]

I do know he was a avid elk hunter here in oregon.
And was told anytime people were stuck or needed help with getting their elk out of woods
He and that truck with winch was their first call.that there wasn’t a place that truck wouldn’t go.
So I do know it took a beating, but it was his company truck as well and his wife gave me all the service records from 1972 thru1996 when he finally had to park it
And no repairs found in records
So probably a him and he’s buddy idea I’m thinking.

[CKfan]

Originally Posted by Richard

In post #14 you can see the factory frame reinforcement as well, stated as a 72 K10. Not sure what the square plate is behind the radiator shroud mount is? Not stock. As said current truck is a 72 K10 and has the reinforcement as well as past 72 K20. Maybe a later year thing?

Still searching for someone who makes an OER version. Would be nice to have a couple on hand.

[CKfan]

Got the messy old welded piece off and cleaned it up a bit. Glad I did, the crack was more significant than I thought and was just covered up with no apparent attempt at mitigation.

Will grove them out a bit, weld them up and wait for my braces (as described in earlier posts) to arrive.

Happy building

[Orefactory4x4 swb]

Richard
You see in ckfan post. If I took off that plate there’s really nothing behind it ..the idea of that plate would be to stop flex in the area? You think that could be the case?
.

[CKfan]

Cleaned up the cracks, welded them and prepped with weld thru primmer. Attached the brace after trimming a little off the bottom right. It hung over the frame a bit. Only had to ream one hole slightly. Otherwise, lined up great and is a super easy job to complete. No way to say for sure how much support it ads to the frame but it can't hurt.

Still waiting on the brace I ordered for the backside. Will post when received.

[CKfan]

Received the 2nd of two needed ORD steering box braces yesterday. Test fitted, drilled hole, prepped and painted. Installed this morning and I must say, it looks like it will really help give the frame support at the steering box.

Aesthetically, it looks pretty clean and is well designed. My one and only complaint is having to use washers to bridge the gap between the round stock bolt channels and the frame in two places. The directions call for it so it must be because the piece is universal for many year models 67-87.

All-in-all, the ORD kit was a fairly straight forward and easy job to complete. I might be singing a different tune when I go to install my brake lines but for now I am happy with the outcome.

(The directions with pictures aren't the greatest so I would suggest watching a YouTube video on the install before trying it yourself)





Happy building