Good Morning!
I removed the bed off my recently purchase Silverado to discover the frame is cracked on both sides. The location is basically just above the bump stops. The drivers side is much worse and I’m concerned what will happen once it completely breaks. Attached is a picture of the worst side. https://photos.app.goo.gl/TndoAaj8rbnmAVRG8
What are my options to get this repaired?
As mentioned this is in a 2000 Chevy Silverado extended cab z71 4x4.
You can't drive it like that. If it breaks you'll kill yourself or some other driver/family on the road.
When I clicked on that picture and enlarged it, it seems that there was a previous attempt (poor) to weld the bottom of that crack which says to me the previous owner knew about this frame damage.
It's usually "buyer beware" and "as is" with used vehicle purchases but the seller does have a responsibility to disclose this type of severe (dangerous) damage if he is aware of it.
That grinded down weld on the bottom is evidence that the previous owner knew about the damage.
If you look closely you can see that the frame is actually twisted down in the front side of the break which looks like it's dropped 1/8" lower than the rear side of the break.
Frames can be repaired. I know you bought a truck to drive, not to do major repairs.
I'd get some estimates and sue the seller for the cost of the repair.
As far as I'm concerned, that weld is proof that the seller knew about this and didn't disclose it.
This is why it's important to have somebody who is knowledgeable help when buying a used vehicle.
You gotta crawl under a used vehicle and carefully inspect for rust/damage.
Again, do not drive it like that.
I did crawl under it and look around but not close enough to see the crack obviously. I will go through any used vehicle I purchase next time with a fine tooth comb that's for sure. Lesson learned.
The truck was in great shop body wise with only minor surface rust underneath. I only discovered this when I pulled the bed off to replace the fuel sending unit. I knew it was bad when I saw it. I guess I am glad I pulled the bed off or else I would have been driving it around like that without knowing.
I do have a second vehicle so I will not be driving it until I get it fixed. I bought it for a work truck so I will just find a place to have it repaired. I do not think the previous owner knew about it as he didnt seem all that bright a guy lol.
Ideally a fabrication shop should make plates which will go on both sides and weld into place. The inside plate may be a hassle as I don't know whats nestled in there..brake lines, cables etc but maybe worth removing to get a plate in there. Also for assurance those plates should be bolted in as well. The plate on the outside should have a "L" form to cover the top of the frame and welded into place. But You should first take pictures of your frame from all angles and sides to show a prospective welding shop an initial view of the task at hand and give you a rough quote as to the cost they can accomplish the work. You should obtain a few quotes depending on how many shops your willing to visit. The quotes should in detail explain the work being proposed.
Thanks Dion! I will take some more photos and call around to get some estimates.