1st gen frame rust repair and upgrade

Truths.... same boat for me.... just looked at it as a fun project and an excuse to buy tools to build my business.

 

Decided to tig weld the rear section becuase the fitment was so nice. Also just felt like being in the garage for a bit longer today. I will post pics after its fitted up on the frame. Thanks for following along!

 

Is the bed still off of your truck? I was wondering if I could get a measurement from the CL of the Front bed mount to the CL of the Rear mount. All of the frame drawings I have found do not provide that dimension. your works looks good so far. I just acquired a 96 reg cab 3rz 4x4 for a it of a different project and am trying to get all of the dimensional queries noted beforehand.

 

Just measured. Foward to rear, Center to center holes are 41 7/8 both sides

 

appreciate it. Great job on the frame repair so far.

 

Finally done with my frame repair. Now just cleaning welds up, stripping old frame paint. I have to replace the backing plates, so bearings and brakes to do after turkey season. Almost there

 

Looking good!

Having any luck turkey hunting? Took my 9 year old son last Saturday morning and this morning, we saw some but not close enough.

 

I haven't went yet. I am waiting for the pennsylvania opener next weekend, but just haven't been to excited to go here. Between lack of public lands and few turkey numbers, id rather work on my truck.... and I seriously am a die hard hunter, so thats saying alot...

 

It's getting close to being a roller. Should have some rubber on the ground this weekend. If everything goes according to plan

 

Looking good John, it'll be better than new when you're done with it

 

How hard was it to install the backing plates? Aren’t they pressed on?

 

I read all the posts here on TW where you guys have welding and fabrication skills. wish I would have learned this stuff when I was 20 years old. These skills really do come in handy for doing serious repairs to these 1st gen trucks.

 

The bearings are not pressed into the backing plates more like a slip fit. The bearing retaining coller has an interference fit I would say of about .0005. Which you can use a pipe to hammer on. If you are trying to save your backing plates I would suggest using a press. But if you are swaping them out for better ones, a grinder is the way to go. I used a roteryfile to cut the bearing coller alnost to the shaft and a chisle to split it. Most of what holds them on is corrosion.

 

Never too late to learn.... just watch youtube!!!! Alot of youtube and then put some money down on a half decent welder. Used is a great route to go as they are pretty simple machines.

 

After a long year.... it's finally off jacks!

 

They call me "Baba Yaga" the Jake smasher

 

That’s good eating right there

 

Meat in the freezer is meat in the freezer.

 

An absolute bomb went off.... wanted to replace the oil pan gasket. Ended up taking the entire front end off the truck. Now I am going to order all new bushings.... for everything. I had a roller last week, and thought I was almost done with the build. Boy was I wrong. Anyone want to help?

 

Where are you located at, I'm not much help physically, but I'm a good, hand me that wrench and a good all around gopher.