Cracked frame!!!

Work is in process now at Coastal Frame & Alignment in Mobile, AL. Their work is second to none in our area! Took out the drivers side rail and ot got shipped to a company in Vermont. The vendor Coastal uses offers options to upgrade to 100-grade steel (vs the 80-grade used by KW) and have them pre-drilled instead of just blanks. I had other rust issues and decided just to rebuild / upgrade other stuff while it was all taken apart anyway. Fortunately, all the suspension parts (springs, crossmembers, dog bones) were all good so that helps the bottomline.

Downside: Cost. The estimate was $20-25k including the upgrades and repairs. Didn't WANT to spend that much, but it made good sense (IMO) to do it all now while I was already down.

Upside: 6NZ with fresh Gold Kit, reman Eaton RTLO18913, new clutch kit, drums, shoes, and 10 virgin BFG's all sitting in a new frame with ZERO rust - Hell, it's a BRAND NEW '02 W900L!!

Will advise total out the door price when completed.

 

Sounds awesome, did you price aluminum rails? I've got a 99 and the rust is pretty bad. I don't understand the plastic coating they use. Seems in inhance the rust.

 

No, did not price aluminum. To be honest, didn't know it was even an option. The new steel, instead of prime and paint, is being powder coated. Hopefully that will help inhibit the rust from returning.... ever. Rust seems to be a huge issue in the late 90s/early 2000s KW's. Dont know what process they were using then, but it does not stand the test of time!!

 

Just a couple of pictures of the "ugly" that had to be fixed...

 

I need new rails on my tractor from rust. How much did it cost and where was it done?

 

Well, figure on $150/hour for a week, not including the cost of the rails and all other related parts. Rest assured, it will be in the thousands. It's a big job.

 

PG Adams is a highly thought of company for new rails, either plain or pre drilled. The way I understand it, they have templets for most models, so you don't have to send an old rail in.
I am not sure where they are located.

 

You can order any size or length or grade of steel rail from any reputable steel company, drill your own holes, got a frame drill I need to get rid of if anyone is interested.

 

Im In Texas and I'm trying to find someone that can do this. Does the cab and motor have to be removed?