Reinforcing Frame, looking for feedback

[tulsa_sr5]

Getting close to finishing the clean up of my 85's frame. Found it solid except for the last 6-8 inches, shackle hangers, etc. Made a patch piece out of 3/16 3" x 3" angle,

http://members.cox.net/97runner/FRAME_REIN1.JPG

it's about 18" long, reaches right to where the frame starts to bend up, and well past the thin areas to good metal. This is sorta where it will sit,

http://members.cox.net/97runner/FRAME_REIN2.JPG

Except it'll slide all the way back with the cutout area fitting around the last body mount. I still need to finsh the rosette cutout near the point unless you think that's not a good idea. The inside of the frame I'll patch with 1/8th plate.

Any comments before i cut off the old shackle hanger? Somebody tell me this is as beefy as I think it is.

[4runnerchevy]

You get those gaps closed and you golden :thumbup: Finish the rosette and I would say its stonger than the frame on either side.

[freejake3]

I would recommend rounding your corners before welding.

[tulsa_sr5]

Thanks, I'll round the points off first - that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Guess it's time to get the sawzall out and start cutting.

[freejake3]

What about a grinder? I was taught not to give the frame any weak spots while welding on it so that's where I was going with rounding off the corners. Here's mine during my rear bumper build. I should have done some rosettes but oh well. It's 1/4" so I'm not too worried.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m253/affinis/RBB/Sheep005.jpg

[tulsa_sr5]

freejake, that looks really nice! I actually will use a grinder on my patch piece, sawzall to start cutting the old shackle hangers off, then grinder to smooth that area down flat.

[freejake3]

Right on - keep the pics coming.

[Good Times]

Just wondering if adding cutout circles and welding there will also strengthen the frame?

I can see the weight being a factor but outside of the weight I'm wondering if it also adds strength to it.

[tulsa_sr5]

Hey Lance, thanks for chiming in. I'm kinda thinking more rosette welds would be a good idea, tie it in to a few more solid spots. I should get a step drill bit i think.

As for progress, both shackle hangers are gone, need to spend a little more time getting the old metal nice and clean and fabbing up the rest of the patches. Pics to come.

[freejake3]

Either way it's going to help with strength. The rosettes will obviously be less work but still provide additional weld points. You could always split the difference and drill some larger holes with a bi-metal hole bit, say maybe 1.5" or so. JAT

[tulsa_sr5]

Do you guys think I should do a couple smaller ones along the bottom? I couldn't see going bigger than 1" there. I was planning to just add a couple more on the outside frame side.

[tulsa_sr5]

OK, got the two pieces pictured above tack welded on, so far I'm very happy. Just about had the new marlin shackle hangers positioned when the tornado sirens went off :tapedshut:

So I guess i'll take this chance to question their positioning. Every measurement I take tells me they need to be 39 3/8" apart on center. That really sticks them to the outside of each frame rail. Anyone who has installed these who can confirm this? I knew I shoulda taken more measurements before i started cutting :(

[freejake3]

Call the man himself for any issues. They have great customer service. If, in fact, they are to be positioned where you say then be sure to add some triangulated gussets to beef up the positioning. Kinds like this one:

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m253/affinis/skids/Sheep027-1.jpg