Welding small crack using AC stick welder

[augi3march]

I got an old AC stick welder from my neighbor. I'm trying to fix a small crack on my 2001 Tacoma's frame near the back spring. I've only welded thick metal before, so not sure if this welder can do it. Anyone tried something like this?

 

[sideStori3s]

2001 Tacoma frame is not particularly thick and an AC stick welder can be difficult to use for something so delicate.

The main issue is that it's easy to blow through the metal or to create a weld that is not strong enough to handle the stress the frame is under. When you're welding, you need to make sure the crack is properly prepared first by grinding it out into a V shape. Gives better penetration of the weld. However, a small crack on a frame can be an indication of a larger issue, so it's a good idea to have it looked at by a professional if you can't do it yourself.

 

[wildcats_ap0ll0]

Thanks for the info! I have a Tacoma I use for weekend trails, and I just saw a small crack near the back of the frame. I've done some simple MIG welding on brackets, but never on something that holds weight.

Is MIG easier to use than stick welding for thin frame metal? And when making the crack into a V shape, how deep should I go so I don't make the metal too weak?