89 C1500 Corporate 10 bolt, weld or braze?

[tpic402]

worked for a fleet that had alot of c3500 Chevrolets the lower bracket that holds the axle tube against the springs usually let go first, the design of the saddle gathers road salt and dirt and never dries out. as someone else stated a very good situation for electrolosis

 

[Sharky]

The other "Mod" that wasn't mentioned is the drain holes in the saddle. The original were about 1/8" and were plugged solid with rust, mud, sand and who knows what else.... Opened them up to 5/16" Plenty of metal, but now everything drains out, sand, dirt, small rocks. Hopefully that reduces the wet buildup for the long term. As of now, the repair seems to be clean and solid, no regrets on fixing vs replacing.

 

[The Liberal Arts Garage]

Inspect it to make sure it is otherwise mechanically sound and do a patch after you braze up the offending hole. Try to sweat the patch onto it in such a way that it has as much contact surface as possible to prevent further leaks. But make sure that it is sound and not rotten in more places than you can see. A scratch awl or similar probe works pretty good for finding hidden rust and weak spots.

Bob

Braze a patch; clean very well, make a patchout of # 14 / 1/8 soft steel make a little
bit "C" shaped . It should overhang 3" or so,held with sturdy hose clamps . Tack
six places, then do the upper edges, followed by the ends.......BLJHB.