Web Development on a Stick
19
Aug
2004
Frame Horn Cracks
SSDutch has cracks on 3 of the 4 frame horns. This is a typical issue with the frames of these older Jeeps, but one I’ve yet to fix. I’m planning on getting some input from the EarlyCJ5 guys on how to best do the repair.
August 20, 2004
The good thing is that they are cracked outboard of the spring hangers. That means the repairs will only need to support the weight of the bumpers. Up front, that’ll be very minimal. The back, what with the spare tire and all, will be a bit different, but still not as bad as if it was inboard of the hangers.
August 21, 2004
The cracks in the front are going to have to support the Saginaw steering conversion, which is what helped cause them in the first place. Pay careful attention to how the steering box loads the frame rails, especially with the bigger tires. You will need to fabricate a crossmember to better support the box and stiffen up the frame.
This is one of the reasons I’m going full hydro on Untamed. (My ‘69 CJ6) The frame isn’t designed to take loads in this area on an early CJ.
BTW- the spring hangers are contributing to this, as well. That is why the cracks are right next to the mounts. (The frame has no support to resist torsional twisting opposite the crossmember, and is rigidly supported by the crossmember on the side that cracks) Try to stiffen up the shackle mounts so they don’t twist the frame so much, and you will be on your way to eliminating the problem.
August 22, 2004
Hey John -
I’ve seen a cross-brace used with a Saggy swap on Joe’s (Project 71-5), it tied the box itself to the opposite frame rail. Is that what you have in mind with the crossmember?
Any ideas for stiffening up the shackle mounts?