Posted by Dean in IN [172.70.131.132] on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 14:59:45 :
In Reply to: Re: Additional Infor on Installing Fish Plates posted by Ray [108.162.221.217] on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 09:55:12 :
You are correct Ray. When Dodge started to weld in the cross members to the edge of the frame
the weld itself was so bad that it under cut the edge of the upper frame flange. This is the same
as putting a small cut to the edge of a piece of paper. That paper will tear very easy now with little effort.
Stress at the spring hanger is naturally very high so the results is as you see it now. I have seen several with this condition.
Early trucks had the top flange riveted at those points with no issues then Dodge changed it's process.
Pull the rivets on the hanger, V out the cracks and weld up 6011 root then 7018 cover pass. Take some 3/16 plate cut to match the
angle of the inter frame and long enough to
run pass the hanger. Trim 3/16 off the hanger where it touches the frame to slide the fish plate in. Drill holes to bolt through hanger and plate, then weld fish plate.
The top flange can be plug welded to cross member or weld edge without undercutting.
My 2 cents.
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