Frame Gusset Cracked at Rear Diff mount on the Rhino.

See pics on post below. I had a noise from 2pm on Saturday that I could not place. sounded like a cracked frame....The squeaking went away with a bath. suspension....But, i swear the rear diff is flexing in the frame mounts a bit. That is apparently where the sound is coming from. I think.... I didnt see any place that it could come from, other than the a-arm bushings. I hope like hell the frame gussets aren't broke.

I am ordering a rear support brace for it today. I will know more when I get home today. Tonight I plan on taking it apart and checking it out. Anyone have any input? Best brace to buy? I like the lonestar setup, but some of the others brackets bolt to multiple spots. I'm thinking that would be stronger.

Clay
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I don't have them -- only his skids and stick-stoppers, but I'm quite impressed with Trail Logic's stuff for the price you pay. Heavy duty and quite reasonably priced -- plus you get to deal with a real live human...

http://www.traillogicllc.com/catalog/c8_p1.html

Not ornate nor exactly purty -- no plasma-cut logos or stuff -- but good heavy-duty construction...

I have the CRB rear diff support. Really like it.

I second the Trail Logic's.

I third the Trial-Logic's. Check all your rear-diff mount bolts Clay, they tend to get loose.

Well... the rear differentials upper rear frame gusset bolts were loose. Could turn it by hand. The front was loose also. Not quite as bad, but loose. I took the front bolt out of the gusset and the drivers side of the gusset is cracked. Its about 1/8 inch from being cracked all the way thru. The pics kinda show it. To weld that crack... would the rear differential have to come out? Would it get too hot for that quick weld? See the pics below. these are from the drivers side looking to the passangers side. I am ordering the trail logic Gusset kit tonight. Input needed!!!!

Wow that's been loose for awhile seeing how the holes are ovaled. I'd think a quick-weld would be ok myself.

Yeah, I had no idea that could happen. We need a "Tech Tips sticky" section on here to help guys avoid crap like this. With some how to do's, preventive maintenance etc...

Sucks on my end. I don't have a welder. Dad does, but he is in Louisiana....Gona have to drag it somewhere.

That sucks Clay. At least you know what it is and you should be able to fix it pretty easy.

I can put a small weld there. But I wonder if I can grind it back smooth. You would want the flange there to be level in order to securley tighten the nut down. Its pretty tight to get a grinder in there. Maybe a drimmel?

Look in Rhino area for diff support topic.

That blows.........

do a search. you will find lots of info on the issue.
while you are at it add all the supports you can because even after all the supports i have added the bolts still get loose over time. keep and eye on the bolts!!!!!

Is this a problem with the 700s or just the 660s?

I think the bolts can work their way loose on all of them. However the 660s have a weaker frame in the rear. I'm adding a gusset kit to mine, front and rear.

what about the 450s?

I have the diff gussets got them from bluegrass utv only have front on riight now need to put the rear diff on

I wouldnt wait too long. May cause a BIG headache if you do.

Well, I got a MIG Welder from work and fixed the crack. Smoothed it out a little and bolted it back together with locktite and a lock washer. Hopefully that will keep it tight for a while. I also ordered the complete frame gusset kit with winch plate from Trail logic. Kinda high, but good insurance apparently. $186 shipped. Winch plate really addded some money. Apparently the regular front gusset wont clear a standard winch plate. So I had to get their plate. Added 40 buck or so.... I will post some pics of what it looks like with the kit installed.

Good deal on your fix, Clay.

Good job Clay......

A question. Is the torque spec. altered with loctite and lock washers?

That i dont know. I tightened the piss out of it with an impact wrench. Im hoping the lock washer and locktite will keep it from loosing up.

Oh.... And I removed the sway bar!