Frame rotted at steering box - K2500 Suburban

[RobK]

So my frame completely disintegrated at the steering box. Finding a K2500 Suburban in the yards is virtually impossible in my area. Will the forward frame section (ahead of the control arm mounts) from any other trucks work? I'm guessing that the front section from a pickup is probably the same. I spent some time under some K1500 pickups today and they LOOK the same, but I'm not 100% certain. At a minimum, the configuration with the front crossmember, sway bar bracket, etc. looks exactly the same.

Anyone else been down this road before? I know there are dozens of different frames under GMT400 trucks, but it seems that the bulk of the differences are from the firewall back.

Thanks in advance for any help guys!

[Dvldog8793]

Howdy
I have made frame rails and sections for different vehicles and its not real hard for a good fab shop.
So in the worse case just take it to a local heavy fab shop and have them make you a new one.
Bad part about any option you go with is welding it in place make sure it is done properly with some preheat to avoid stress cracks on the weld areas. Also I would fish-plate the weld seams. Check the rest of your frame EXTENSIVELY if your front section is this rusted then chances are other parts are not far behind.

Good Luck!

[HeavyChevy95]

I would suggest disconnecting the batteries and completely remove the PCM from the chassis, at least until all the welding is done.

[Robyn]

Gotta love the Salt.

I'm gonna make a suggestion.

Cruise the Craigs list ads for the Portland Oregon area.

You can pick up a lovely rust free truck CHEAP
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/4835159617.html

The issue you are facing is a tough one.

The cost of repairing a rusted out frame is a never ending battle when you have the amount of rust you are dealing with

Out here a truck that's in the early 80's will still likely have most of the factory paint on the frame.

You can most likely find a 95-99 Burb 4x4 that's going to be virtually pristine for very little $$$

The cost to repair that frame is going to be far more than what you can replace the rig with a nice clean one from the Northwest (We don't use salt)


Watch the ads, get a cheapy flight into PDX and drive your prize home.

Scarf all the good parts from your rig and send the rest to the scrap yard.


I just picked up a 95 Burb 2500 4x4 with 205 k on the clock for $2k

It has a new set of BFG all terrains on it, new Radiator, recent tune up, tranny serviced recently, and basically in near perfect condition.

Personally I would not spend a dime on trying to salvage anything when the rust has gotten that far along.


Just some thoughts.

Missy

[trbankii]

Unfortunately, I’m facing a similar issue - the driver’s side radiator support is crumbling and needs a solution. The salt and liquid magnesium chloride they use on the roads around here certainly does a number on our vehicles!

I’m not sure that a 2800 mile roadtrip is my best option, so I’m going to plate up the frame on my own. If you can do it yourself, it’s probably a weekend’s worth of work futzing around. If you have to pay someone else to do it, you’re likely talking a fair chunk of change.

[Robyn]

If you can do it yourself is the key here.

I agree 100%

[greatwhite]

Gotta love the Salt.

I'm gonna make a suggestion.

Cruise the Craigs list ads for the Portland Oregon area.

You can pick up a lovely rust free truck CHEAP
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/4835159617.html

The issue you are facing is a tough one.

The cost of repairing a rusted out frame is a never ending battle when you have the amount of rust you are dealing with

Out here a truck that's in the early 80's will still likely have most of the factory paint on the frame.

You can most likely find a 95-99 Burb 4x4 that's going to be virtually pristine for very little $$$

The cost to repair that frame is going to be far more than what you can replace the rig with a nice clean one from the Northwest (We don't use salt)


Watch the ads, get a cheapy flight into PDX and drive your prize home.

Scarf all the good parts from your rig and send the rest to the scrap yard.


I just picked up a 95 Burb 2500 4x4 with 205 k on the clock for $2k

It has a new set of BFG all terrains on it, new Radiator, recent tune up, tranny serviced recently, and basically in near perfect condition.

Personally I would not spend a dime on trying to salvage anything when the rust has gotten that far along.


Just some thoughts.

Missy

Couldn't have said it any better.

If/when its time to let my K2500 go, there's no way in heck I'll be replacing it with an Eastern Canada used vehicle.

It will be new off the lot or I'll make a nice vacation of driving something back from a salt free zone.

Heck, I'd rather buy something without having laid eyes on it and have someone ship it rather than buy another salt belt vehicle.

Engines , transmissions, etc are easy "one time" fixes. Rust is not and it never goes away once its there, you can only slow it down....:(

[Robyn]

Yupppp

Damned use of salt is criminal.

Eat up a new rig before it's even paid for.

There is an old fellow here locally that bought a 1959 Ford Ranch Wagon new, and he still drives it today.

It gets garaged every night (Well usually) and it still has the factory 292 V8 that it came with (Never opened up)

It has something near 200k on the clock now.

Stock 3 speed column shift too.

The body is near perfect and still sports the factory Red and White paint.

I don't think there are very many of these in this good of shape.


Ahhhh yess, good old salt.