From bad to worse! Rusted out rear frame..

[MrEviLDeD]

I am aware of the thread here pinned regarding the aftermarket frame bits that can be welded in. I am currently getting a picture taken of the damage on the one side (only looked at one, was depressive enough to find this when I went to remove the rear flat).

 

Anyhow. My first question is this. How many folks here have bought those aftermarket frame weldins from this thread here?

Are they still working? Was the process getting them welded in difficult? Costly? I "can" weld but this is the kind of thing that seems outside of my skillset by any sense of the imagination.

Here are three pictures of the damage. I was hoping that some folks here could have a look and tell me if it was worth purchasing the aftermarket frame bits mentioned at the link I provided above or to just scrape the Pathfinder. Just paid like 1700$ for this thing a year ago seems like a lot of waste but at the same time I do not wish to throw good money after bad. Wish I didn't love my truck so much.....

(Note: I touched up one of these photos and cropped it as the sunlight was unbearable I hope that it improves the view)

 

 

 

 

Pardon the blurriness of the last photo. It is like -23c out with a windchill so it was taken in a pretty quick hurry

 

What is my next move? Or at least what are some further options?

 

 

[jhamelin819]

well, frame weld ins do work well, but its gotta be a good weld, and done to a healthy spot on the frame. if you can get it done at a fair price do it, if its too expencive, id say forget it

[adamzan]

I was going to weld in those pieces on mine but I didn't want to wait for the shipping so I just cut some pieces myself. Took me about 1/2 a day to weld them in. I am not a pro welder but the welds are strong and I never had another problem with it...I would find a buddy with a welder and have at 'er.

[MrEviLDeD]

I suppose templates are something of a rarity? I mean the damage is pretty severe. I would hate to have the cross member in the wrong place etc.. If you know of a place I can get templates for the shape welding in some plat would be an option.

With that said, is this the kind of thing that a template made from the driver side (when reversed) would apply to the passenger side? Otherwise I need a proper diagram and measurements.

 

I found another 93 out of province, however getting it might cost me a bit as well it is a gamble getting there as the truck might not be as they have indicated or shown...

Rawr!

[MrEviLDeD]

Note also that the cross member has completely broken free from the frame. (is this a sub frame maybe?) The images might not completely show it has severed itself completely from the frame and is sitting on the spring/coils.

What would be a good gauge of steel to use for this?

[Nissanland]

One's thing is for sure, I would not be driving the truck any where, no way NO how. Very unsafe to do so. Cross member is part of the axle support, if its laying on the coil springs then your risking the axle coming out from under truck and wrecking. I would get it welded with some good steel, you can make templates for the frame from card board, looks like you will need to create front,bottom, and back templates for a complete repair from the look of those photos. I've have read IIRC that those frame bits are on the thin side. Error on the side of caution.

Edited February 5, 2014 by Nissanland

[k9sar]

I weld my frame every year. I buy 1/8 steel from a local welding supply yard and they cut it into 3.5" wide strips for me. I cut to shape with a cheap angle grinder and cutting wheels from harbor freight. Grind away until you have good bare steel then weld away. I can't see your pics but I have welded some pretty tricky and destroyed places. After welding, clean the area good and empty a can of rubberized undercoat on it (inside and out if you can) and everywhere else you have welded before. Looks great, feels strong and passes state inspection.

[adamzan]

I have templates that another member made and gave to me when he sold his truck...I could take somenpics with measurements or something.

[MrEviLDeD]

Maybe even trace some paper ones and mail them snail mail possibly? I am most interested in this.

k9ser, how long of strips did you get them to cut? Looking into the resources to go this route.

[Slartibartfast]

Sorry I junked my templates, hopefully someone can hook you up. K9sar's method might work better anyway. I remember someone saying that the weld-in kit was pretty thin metal, and given what you have to work with, I don't think that's gonna cut it.

 

+1 about not driving it in that condition. Hopefully there's something solid left for you to weld to. Go at it with a hammer and see if you can find any place that doesn't deform when you hit it. That'll give you some idea of how much you have to replace... based on the pics, I don't think you're looking at a simple patch job.

 

K9sar, you have to redo yours yearly? Does it rot that fast?

[k9sar]

The strips were 4 ot 5 feet long. I never tried to make a single piece to weld. I would use cardboard and cut/tape a template together for areas that I neeeded, then transfer to the steel wiht a sharpie, cut it out and shape it with a hammer if needed, then weld it in place. Then move to the next piece. The frams is approx 3.5# high and 2 inches thick so those are the sizes of steel I like ot have on hand. All 1/8 inch welding steel. In some places, it looks like frankenframe but it is solid and passes inspection.