68 Charger rear shock crossmember...fix?

[Macdon221]

My car had a bit of a “rattle” in the back. Like something loose in the trunk. After some investigation I have determined that on the passenger side, one side of the rear shock crossmember has come apart from the frame rail. I put a piece of clear rubber hose in the crack to stop the vibration/rubbing to see if it was indeed the issue...and it was.

Here is few photos. Not great I know. Was dark.

Whats the best solution for this?

 

[Photon440]

That crossmember should be securely welded in place. Not only is it absorbing upward force from the shock bounce, but also has to withstand downward force from jounce. A tire dropping into a pothole or dip in the road - particularly with stiff shocks - will transfer a lot of pulling force on that crossmember.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Yup... And you need to look it over throughly, they use to crack all around the upper structure so that probably isn't the only damage....

 

[Macdon221]

I removed the shocks and have had a real good look at the entire piece. There are no other cracks in the crossmember itself. The only separation from the frame is what I have posted in the photos above. One bottom corner only.

A re-weld with a MIG you think would do the trick?

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Absolutely

 

[Macdon221]

I can weld...but at the "Sesame Street Level". lol Should I grind out a small channel/recess along the existing crack line...or just go right over top? What would be the accepted way to do it?

I really appreciate your help.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I would weld over the top, there isn't really enough metal to grind any kind of groove

 

[Macdon221]

Ok.

Great. Thanks for the tips. I will let you know how it turns out!