Those frames were not just simply 1018 mild steel, they were
an alloy and welding to them, as well as any metal, can cause
stress risers which eventually lead to fatigue cracks.
Probably wouldn't see much of a problem on a show truck that's
only driven occasionally, but if it's a work truck that you
put thru its paces every day, I'd bet you would have trouble
somewhere down the line.
Some guys get lucky and weld without post heat treat on
steering and suspension components and with light use, drive
the vehicles for years without incident, but a few do
experience failures at the worst times.
A good example are the rim centers that Charlie had fail on
him a while back. Improper welding technique resulted in
cracks at the weld root. Luckily he caught it before one let
loose out on the road at speed.
dg
Last edited by Denny Graham; 01/05/2016 2:48 PM.
