advise on crack in chasis

[Rikki]

Hi all ,

I've benefitted from following the different threads on the forum and now need some specific advise before i go ahead and do something wrong. My landy has a crack on the chassis, just below the front right suspension mounting point and i'd like advise on fixing it. My plan is to have it welded using stainless steel rods and a plate at my local garage (you guys call them 'indies' i believe ). Am i on the right track? Needless to say i didn't inflict the damage to the truck myself, just part of a long-term project getting my landy back to tip top condition. It's a '94 300TDi I picked up last november, needs a lot of work but worth it all the way.

Here's a pic showing the damage

[KevinNY]

If the frame is that bad, have you considered fitting a new chassis?

[TerryS]

I doubt rust is an issue for you in Kenya, and providing the remainder of the chassis is without fault, go ahead and repair it. Best wthing to do would be to drill a hole at the end of the crack, Vee it out, and weld the crack. With a torch, locally stress relieve the weld, by brining it up to a cherry color, and letting it cool as slowly as possible. Then, weld a fishplate over that area, with an inch or two of material either side of the repaired crack. There is no problem with using a stainless rod, such as 308-16, but it isn't necessary, a good 7018, or 9018 is good
Land Rover chassis are not made of a high tensile alloy, so welding to them won't cause problems down the road.

[Disco Mike]

Have you welder clean up the crack, weld it, grind it flush and then plate both sides of the frame and you will be stronger then new.
Mike

[Rikki]

The thought has crossed my mind but been new to the scene i'm still shopping around for parts and garagaes who know landrovers but don't charge an arm and a foot. Getting it welded would be a short term fix.

[Rikki]

ooops Terry and Disco Mike I posted before i saw your replies, was just reacting to Kevins suggeston on getting a 'new' chassis. Thanks for the explanation on going about the welding, i'll talk it over with the guys at the garage and let you know how it goes.