Before I continue, if your response is something dumb, or you are clueless on this subject, do not reply. I am not looking for someone that's going to waste my time, just looking for good facts from people who know what they're talking about.

Currently looking at an 02' Durango 4x4 4.7 and its hit a tree. The air bags didnt go off and yes, I would definitely consider this totaled. He didnt make an insurance claim on it. I can get it for less than half of what the motors worth, but the rest of it is nice enough where I want to fix it.


The 2 methods I've considered are:
Hooking a come along to one section of frame, and another to the other and bend the frame rail back. I've been successful before with this, but never on a truck/suv. It is not bent beyond the control arm mounts.

The other was go to the junk yard and cut the frame off right in front of the control arm mounts and do the same to this, line it up, weld it, then brace it.

 

Poor Durango!

My first question was going to be if you know how to weld then I read the bottom. Assuming you know how to weld pretty well, you can definitely get this to work. Basically what you're best bet is ping to be is your first suggestion and basically bend it back into place.

Remember once you do this you're going to compromise some of the integrity of the frame so you're going to want some braces and weld them on before and after where the weak spot is. Also, since I looks like it broke the frame in some spots I'd HIGHLY recommend using some sort of metal filler very generously.

On top of all your work may I suggest a product by the name of "Por-15". If you know what it s, GREAT, but if not that'd not a problem. Basically its an anti-rust paint that you can put all over the frame that will stop any rust that is there and will prevent the frame from rusting whereever the Por-15 is.

You could definitely make a project out of this and honestly, if it were the right price I can't say I wouldn't do it myself. Let haters hate and say it can't be done. As long as you do it right and weld plenty of brace and use plenty of metal filler all over, you can have a pretty decent Durango on your hands!

Just remember before jumping in remember what you will have on your hands. Please don't cheap out and please don't cut corners. Other than that I think it's more than possible.

It looks like it needs a new radiator and I'd strongly suggest looking it over with a fine tooth comb in the engine bay. Hopefully you've already looked over it because I do know some parts are more expensive on the 4.7 that aren't on the 5.9 such as a timing chain.


BTW, Bravo on the post because normally people with low posts that are new don't fully grasp the concept that we need pictures on a subject like this and those pictures you provided were very informative.

 

i second widows statement, with a welder and some know-how its definitely possible to save the truck, if it were me id weld a new piece of frame onto the front (your second option) if possible, simply bc the part of the frame that has been bent is compromised, it will NEVER be as strong as it originally was, and if the welds are done correctly and braces done correctly you will have more strength from that then from straightening out what is already there. IMO, from an engineering POV welding a new piece of frame to the front will be more structurally sound than straightening what is there, however if possible i would cut it off in front of the A-arm mounts, this way the part of the frame which supports the suspension is not being modified.

 

<The other was go to the junk yard and cut the frame off right in front of the control arm mounts and do the same to this, line it up, weld it, then brace it.> - is the way to go. The frame is deformed far beyond repair (viably). If you were in Japan, I have all the parts you need.
Good luck and keep us posted.

 

+1

I think a cut off and re-weld is in order as well. It would be easier and it would be stronger with a little sureing up. I think a plate on each side would do it just fine.

 

Just a couple things to add here. I've done quite a bit of restoration work on old vehicles (Mostly Mustangs, but did a 69 Chevy C-10, and an old Bronco as well). POR 15 is a great product, use it liberally on the repaired areas as they *will* rust quicker than the original metal.

Sectioning a frame is good, but wherever possible try to use existing metal with a minimum of cutting. When making splices, try to create diagonal welds instead of vertical ones, they're considerably stonger.

Most importantly, block up the existing frame as solidly as possible BEFORE you start cutting. Take LOTS of measurements to ensure things stay as square and straight as possible. Take some 1" square steel tube or angle iron and tack them in place on the existing frame to hold things in place while you work.

If you don't have one, invest in a decent quality MIG welder and get some lessons / practice before attacking the frame. Getting good penetration and a strong weld with minimum warpage takes lots of practice.

I use a weld thru primer to coat the insides of parts that will be "blind" after I weld them. Not sure if you'll have any of those areas, but it comes in handy and helps keep the repairs from rusting from the inside. Eastwood sells the primer, though most decent restoration shops will have it also.

Good luck, make it a fun project, WORK SAFELY!

Bob

 

I am taking the other route.

Sometimes when a truck is totaled, it's totaled.

Unless that one is free, don't waste your time. Time is money and that will take more time-money than it's worth. You have a lot more than just frame damage to work with. That rig will never be completely fixed and you will always be fighting something. Especially with the temperamental 4.7l.

2002 4.7s are a dime a dozen. If you really want one, it won't be that hard to find and with $4-$5 per gallon fuel, pretty cheap too by the end of the summer.

IndyDurango