Is it possible to just make my own gussets with the proper material of course? I mean, is there any "structural engineering" to them? They seem pretty basic and simply contour the C. Looks like it needs to be a certain thickness, contour the C properly so contact is made on a good portion of the C, and weld them on good.

What do you guys think? I have access to a wide variety of weldable metal, etc....so I just don't see why I have to buy them when in essence, they are just metal pieces bent properly to "hug" where they reinforce.

 

I don't know why not. My Taboo Customs gussets aren't even "bent". They're three separate pieces, welded together. OTOH, they're only $25 so it may not be worth your time.

h__p://www.taboocustoms.com/dana3044cgussetkit.htm

 

Start makeing rough drawing and diminsions then weld them up yourself. I would if I had access and quality parts.

 

I would make them. Then again, if given a choice to make or to buy, I ALWAYS go make. That way if it fails I know who to blame, plus gives me an excuse to fondle my Jeep. LOL.

 

I have access to multiple types of metal at all different grades along with a CNC laser cutting machine. My father (retired) who has fabrication and welding experience probably longer than some people on the forum have been alive would be helping of course, but like the above member said, the gussets they have were 3 pieces welded together. I'd most likely be able to make ones that could support 3 times as much stress than others, just was questioning if there was any "special" engineering or simple step/item I'd leave out that makes it the reason people primarly go out and buy them as supposed to not fabricating them themselves (granted they have all the right equipment/supplies).

 

Is there any kind of "statistic" or anything regarding C's that have gussets as supposed to not? I guess what I am trying to ask is, what is the overall % of increased support as supposed to no gussets? I know it's asking kind of a weird question, but does it improve stress strength by say, 25%? Or is there no way to really find out, unless further stated by a manufaturer and their specific product (considering they did tests and have engineering behind it of course)

 

Fabbing gussets should be pretty basic. Look around there are many different designs...not sure if one is better than the other. Anything would be an improvement, the C's are a very weak link

 

I was just thinking that you might be able to find some channel iron that will work. Might have to do a little grinding to make it flush but not too much. Just a thought.

 

DING DING! most people dont have the experience or access to the equipment to make those kind of parts. And they are pretty cheep anyways so they(I) dont waste time self fabricating when those tools would cost 500 times the cost of the part itself.

 

I'd say that if you have access to a plasma cutter & can make two bends in a piece of 3/16" steel, you're set. Then just weld them in place!