Ford F350 Cracked Frame

I wouldn't hesitate to Weld on a fish plate to reinforce the area, however you'll want to make sure it's not bent in any way. But you will definitely want to get a way to get more weight on the springs, not on the bags.

One of the reasons for the airbags it to level the truck. It sags in the rear before engaging the overload springs. But I had to use a lot of air pressure in the bags.

I just ordered a set of Stableload upper blocks to hopefully eliminate that problem.

Reading that other link, I am fortunately not that bad off. My frame is only cracked from the bottom up to the first of 3 holes in a vertical line. I suspect more from side loads of the bag mount pulling out on the lower edge of the frame.

Older style air bags required drilling the frame and created weak spots. The newer ones are no-drill application and you rarely hear of frame issues. A good frame shop will be able to align the frame in a jig prior to welding it back together and plating both sides. I agree that both sides should be done at this time.

Here's a good read, although not a Ford, good information.


http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27925813/gotomsg/27926514.cfm#27926514

Jim

I haven't had the issue, but your truck is an older one and the frames are quite a bit smaller/thinner than the newer trucks. Of course, that means they are also lighter. Any good frame repair shop or welding shop should be able to weld and reinforce the frame. If it was me, I'd consider reinforcing that part of the frame.

Doing some additional checking, most didn't do this work, but finally I got a recommendation. I called a relatively local frame and brake shop and they do this type of repair work.

Additionally, I am probably going to add some blocks to have the springs take more of the load rather than so much on the bags.

Dale

Keith, I agree on all accounts. However, I have been running this rig since 2004. Doing a Google search, I find this is not an uncommon problem for this truck with air bags.

As for rust, there is no sign of any significant rust.

Ultimately, another truck is in order, but for now, I am just trying to figure the best repair.

Dale

On my MH a similar thing happened on the rear air bags. We hit a large pot hole causing the air bag mount to bend up bellowing the air bag. The mount was only mig welded to the frame and the weld didn't hold. Mine was not bolted on just welded. My mechanic removed the duals grinded off the remaining weld and removed the bracket. He then heated it up with a torch and bent it back into shape. He stick welded it back on making sure the metal was properly fused together. He also put two #8 bolts on as well with a rectangular extra size washer/plate on the backside to to spread the force across more metal in the event of another similar incident the frame would not split or tear at the bolt holes. To fix your situation the frame can be fish plated and reinforced at the split. Then again weld and bolt the upper bracket on with a bolt back up with a larger rectanguler piece of metal as a washer to diffuse any further incidents and spread the force along more of the frame rail. Rather that just where the bots are.

In hind site the weaker welding method on my F53 saved any frame damage.?? Or if it was done properly initally there would be no damage.??

If your airbag is supporting so much weight that the frame has cracked near its mounting I have to believe you are WAY overloaded.
Any "fix" will be short term if not done right.
Any chance the frame has rusted at the break point?
Your frame needs to be welded with a reinforcing plate behind the weak point.
I suggest you do both sides as the other one may be right behind it!
Perhaps you need a stouter truck????
A 1997 F350 (from your profile) is nowhere near as tough as a modern version.