Any Idea how to fix this?

Looking for some suggestions

http://s488.photobucket.com/albums/...4 CJ5/?action=view&current=Cj5Pictures035.jpg

http://s488.photobucket.com/albums/...4 CJ5/?action=view&current=Cj5Pictures037.jpg

http://s488.photobucket.com/albums/...4 CJ5/?action=view&current=Cj5Pictures038.jpg

 

What problem are we looking at.

 

The cross member and the frame being bent were it bolts to it, Sorry for not being specific

 

I'm sure you will get many opinions, so I'll offer mine.
I don't think the damaged cross member portion should be used. It looks too deformed to straighten properly and still have adequate strength when finished. The buckling at the stiffening ridges can't really be fixed after they've stretched like that.
You should be able to form the frame rails back into place with a suitable lever or hydraulic ram device.
I’m not sure heat application is acceptable with a CJ frame rail. Someone else should be able to offer advice with the use of heat.

That’s a significant structural failure – do you know how it happened? Is this the only place on your frame that is compromised?

 

I have no Idea how it happend, looks almost like some one backed into something with some force. That is the only spot in the frame that is damaged the rest is very solid

 

yea i dont think theres much hope for the crossmember.

 

Does anyone make a replacement? or someone know of a write up with info on fabing one?

 

something is very wrong in these pictures
unless I'm seeing things, that crossmember has been hacked up and bolts to the top of the frame ?
the crossmember should be a one piece design, and bolt up to the bottom of the frame, not the top.
what's the history of this Jeep ?
or was it purchased this way ?

heck, then again, maybe I'm wrong !

EDIT: never mind, I see where 1975 used a two piece design as shown.

 

You don't think the po could have done that to clear the exhaust for some odd reason. I always thought they bolted to the bottom of the frame as well.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Actually, I have the exact same crossmember on the 1975 frame that I used for my rebuild. It does bolt to the bottom of the frame as well as the top using the extra brackets that are bolted to and near the end of the bottom crossmember, then go to the top of the frame and are bolted there as well, unlike my original 73 frame which was a bottom mounted only crossmember.

I'm pretty sure this frame of mine originally had a V8 in it since my assumption is that the V8 had the fuel line running down the driver's side frame rail.
This setup seems like it would be adding a greater resistance to frame twist.
Just my two cents.

 

yep. I use the '75 bracket just like that. I don't see how, or why, the PO would intentionally do that. Looks like severe damage from a roll-over or bottoming out on something that was bigger and stronger.

There was a recent write up on the crossmember fabrication, check recent threads over the last week or two. Had pics too. Of course that only answers part of your problem.

Of course, you can always to the "wanted" ads and browse ebay.

 

IMO - I'd try to fix it with the blacksmith method. The frame rails see a lot of stress, but the crossmember won't so much. It's just mild steel, and you should be able to warm it up and reshape it. Get your huge crescent wrench (sorry Nick) and a oxy-acetylene torch and heat in your bench vise. Then straighten it with the wrench.

I'd bend the frame rail straight without heat.

 

You could try Jeep junkyards like J&W or Scotty's in CA for the crossmember ... there's a place in GA that's been posted here before, and I'm sure there must be places in CO.

 

Howard Eisenhauer... I looked at the picture of your frame in the yard and without looking at where you're from, said to myself that it looked like Nova Scotia. What a pleasant surprise to find out I was correct! My family is from Cape Breton so that area means a lot to me.
Just had to add this.
Rick

 

Thanks Guys, I dont think it will be hard to fix the frame, can someone post a picture of how the crossmember is suppose to be monuted.

 

Jbostick
it's correct as shown
just needs some massaging here and there.....

 

Rick I was in hanson last weekend.......small world