Faulty Frames?

bryan4.8 · February 17, 2010

I own a 1999 GMC Sierra and i can count 6 different cracks in my frame over the last 3 years. I have off-roaded the truck pretty hard btw. But non the less this is ridiculous. I've also seen another '99 model Seirra broke right off between the cab and box. Is there lighter frames on the '99 models?

Where the cracks are:

- driver side, above the upper control arm. 6" CRACK (the frame is fully boxed here!)

- passenger side, under torsion key crossmember

- both sides, in the back around where the rubber bumb stops are on the frame.

- driver side, between the cab and box. completly broke the frame off here. box was pressing against the cab and ruined my paint job!

- also ripped the top mount for the front diff. off the frame.

I also noticed on '00+ models just behind the cab where the frame curves upward that there is now a brace on the inside frame-rail. Why didn't my truck have this brace? I have looked at other trucks and noticed that their frames are actually thicker.

Im pretty pissed off and tired of welding and boxing in parts of my frame. What do you guys think??

ryan_hermanutz · February 17, 2010

I think that is going to be fairly common if your picture is an indication on how hard you beat it. Remember you have to pay to play

MS3DALE · February 17, 2010

I see these trucks everyday in the dealership,I've seen literally thousands of them,I haven't seen one with a cracked frame yet.

By the picture you provided,Maybe you off-road it a little "too hard"

Metro12 · February 17, 2010

Just remember, if it was a Toyoda, it would have cracked in half about 5 years ago.

MS3DALE · February 17, 2010

jro909 · February 17, 2010

jesus christ how many of the same thread are you going to post??

asilverblazer · February 18, 2010

Severe abuse. I'd suspect it has been jumped more than once and hard. No half ton truck is engineered for what you are doing.

My suggestion would be to get a salvage yard frame, box and gusset it. Then swap whatever is left of the truck you have on to it.

fbachman · February 18, 2010

met a guy once that worked at a 'Desert Jeep Tour" place in AZ. They ran a fixed route (albeit a pretty rocky and tricky one) --- SLOWLY ---

This guy told me they have more weld material on their frames than they have frame. Now, granted, they run Jeeps (wranglers), but I can tell you they are hard on them, but don't jump them or hit the trail fast.

I don't know if there is any "off the shelf" vehicle that will take that without issues. Although, I was told that the original H1s stood up well, but, then again, those were true mil-spec with semi-consumer interiors, down to the Diesel engines. The newer ones, though VERY capable, can't touch the H1 in the hands of a skilled and experienced operator.

jblakeney · February 18, 2010

I own a 1999 GMC Sierra and i can count 6 different cracks in my frame over the last 3 years. I have off-roaded the truck pretty hard btw. But non the less this is ridiculous. I've also seen another '99 model Seirra broke right off between the cab and box. Is there lighter frames on the '99 models?

Where the cracks are:

- driver side, above the upper control arm. 6" CRACK (the frame is fully boxed here!)

- passenger side, under torsion key crossmember

- both sides, in the back around where the rubber bumb stops are on the frame.

- driver side, between the cab and box. completly broke the frame off here. box was pressing against the cab and ruined my paint job!

- also ripped the top mount for the front diff. off the frame.

I also noticed on '00+ models just behind the cab where the frame curves upward that there is now a brace on the inside frame-rail. Why didn't my truck have this brace? I have looked at other trucks and noticed that their frames are actually thicker.

Im pretty pissed off and tired of welding and boxing in parts of my frame. What do you guys think??

HRM, where do you live? Also, if you play hard you have to work 10x as hard to keep things working and together.... yah yah yah I saw the picture of the truck covered in mud.

Jbo

jblakeney · February 18, 2010

OH yeah lets SEE SOME PICTURES...... I would like to see a good stress crack in a GM Frame it has been a long time since I saw one that was from normal use.... Last one I saw was from a wreck.... You could even see the rippling in the frame!!! I pick up nearly every vehicle I work on..... You never know what your working on or driving till you gettter up in the Air and look for yourself..

Note the 4x4 is not wearing my tattoo... Dad uses the feel method sometimes..... He moved the truck a couple times...

Jbo

robertdegoey · February 18, 2010

I doubt the '99's frame is weaker than any other model year. I'm gonna have to agree with every one else and say, no offense, you're a little too ambitious with the off-road capabilities of the truck.