Is this repairable/weld able?

 

In my quick search for a Runner in November before I purchased mine I came across two with that exact same issue. They were number 2 and 3 on my list respectively but I chose a Runner with the the cylinder head repair needed as I am much more competent under the hood than with a welder. One was still like yours pictured when I looked at it, but the other had been repaired. The weld on the "repaired" vehicle was solid and the vehicle was being driven daily and had been for over 30K miles. The welder just didn't put the box back in the correct position so it had a wobble from 50-60mph. I spoke to three different but very capable frame and body specialist and all agreed both were very repairable and safe to drive after the fact and should have no future issues. The key was to apparently fabricate a new housing and take multiple measurements to ensure once mounted there would be no variation to factory specs as this is what causes violent shaking at whatever speed matches the relative degrees the box is 'off'. You are pretty much in the same region I am here in Northern KY and the magic number seemed to be $400 for that particular repair. That must be a legit number as I personally know two the guys who gave me numbers and that was it. The third guy who I only know through reputation came up with the exact same number off the top of his head without any prompting or hesitation. I know this is a long winded answer, but in my opinion and with my very recent experience I would say it is most definitely repairable and properly done should give you many more miles of security straight driving. Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

Also, included in the repair was reinforcing the frame 4-6" in either direction of housing to eliminate any rust damage that has begun and may effect the finished repair.

 

It comes down pretty much to if you can do this repair or have a friend that has the skills and is willing to trade for things you can do.

If you need to pay the going rate in your area As this would be a time and materials job.Some places won`t even touch jobs like this.

It could be more expensive then you want to pay or the vehicle is worth.

Anything like this can be fixed only limited by the budget.

 

If I were a welding shop owner I wouldn't touch it. Too much risk involved.
Many shops wont touch a frame repair.

With that being said yeah its fixable... Anything weldable is fixable, just is it worth it or not?

 

I am curious just what risks your talking about.

As it is all part of the price!!

 

I'd be worried about either getting everything aligned properly or if someone ends up in an accident and the repair doesn't hold you could be liable. It's stupid but people are stupid these days and I wouldn't chance it if it were my arse on the line. At least not without a signed liability release.

 

I understand a personal concern for liability to a point, but unless you are negligent with intent while repairing there is no legal repercussions. What it boils down to is do you have the knowledge or the resources (cash) to procure the services of someone with the knowledge. This repair really is common and not at all a concern when done by a competent fabricator. The most common issue if done improperly is placement which causes a wobble. When I made the point that 2 of the 3 Runners in my top three during my search had this issue I was hoping that would indicate just how common this is. Certainly these are being repaired or there would be a whole lot less of these frames out on the road. Again, best of luck with your decision. If you choose or are unable to get repaired I would certainly attempt to sell before scrapping or parting as I believe there will be someone out there willing to give it a go.

 

That is why most of us in business carry a minimum $2,000,000 insurance policy.

Like I said all part of the price .

Comes back also if you can`t do the job you just say No.

 

I'm confident I could make it work. I guess part of it was my welding instructor pounded it into my head to never weld frames. He never said why but just not to do so.
I know it can be done but I'll never do it for anyone else.

 

I get that from some welding Instructors as well .

Most when asked Why say I read in school not to do it.

I think it has quite a bit to do with having the know how to do it correct and not just starting to cut and weld things In just any way.

 

I guess I should edit that statement a bit. I'll never do it out of my shop for anyone else.
I did build this thing but it wasn't my arse on the line.

I would've changed a few things if it were up to me but I did melt the metal together.

 

Yes; it can be fixed but. I would go front and back till I found good metal to attach to. then fab a piece that looks like the rotted section. Then fish plate & butt weld it in. However I do understand why people do not want to fix these things, since they break right at the joint. I just use really big fish plates.

 

Since I get into this quite often I have special pieces bent made that catch the top and one side of the frame.

The thing to remember is to avoid any vertical cutting or welding the term fish plate came about because they should look some what like a fish pointed on both ends.

Now these trucks don`t really need it if done correct but on larger trucks one also bolts the fish plates as well as welds .

Anything like this can be fixed but weather it is cost effective is the question if you need to pay it most likely is not worth fixing.

Only the owner can decide when to cut your losses .