cracking around steering boxes

["Watry, Andrew (LNG-MBC)" <Andrew.Watry@domain.elided>]

Ralph asked about how common cracks are around the steering box.  I don't
have much experience with 91 Spiders, but from the cars I've seen.it's very
common on Berlinas and GTVs, less so on Giulia sedans.  The frame area can
flex alarmingly, even when there are no cracks or tearing of the metal
around the box.  It seems like the design is just not strong enough for the
loads.  The two places I've seen the most trouble are in the bottom of the
box section, below the steering box in the area where the "frame" rail
arches up and over to clear the tie rods, and also where the "chassis" leg
is attached to the firewall.  The metal just seems to get fatigued, rip,and
tear away in these places.  Having a wrecked or rusted car can make it
worse, but I've seen it many times on cars that had no structural damage to
speak of.

Isn't this a common place racers reinforce their cars?

Andrew Watry

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