Wow got a pic of it? Just FYI not all crossmembers are the same, just make sure if you do find a replacement you’re getting the right one. Probably a dozen different ones from 80-96.

depending on how it’s cracked you may could get it welded, and reinforced.

 

I would look to a JY find there should be a bunch of them. IIRC the crossmember is not easy to get out though. Also pictures.

 

You recall very correctly...im wondering if OP's cross member had been removed at some point and the additional supports not re-installed. The top bolts on those can be a PITA to get to. I slotted the top bolt holes in my supports so they slide into place waaay easier.

 

It looks like someone already tried welding it at one point. Then it broke under the weld.

I didn't know there were a lot of different ones. Carumba!

 

OH! I was thinking transmission crossmember...not engine crossmember! YIKES.....ummm dang dude that sucks! I'm not sure about those, but i would bet there may be some differences in say a diesel or 460 vs windsor vs 4.9....but maybe not.

And yes...someone very shoddily tried to repair that.

I always called that the engine cradle or saddle, but i guess its technically a crossmember too.

 

That is nuts. I am not sure how you would go about breaking that? Even if you wanted to weld it I think to do it right you would need to remove it and at that point I would just replace. A JY and patience to find a truck without an engine/ and or front clip and a sawzall and a few blades and batteries and you would be good to go.

 

Sorry, I've updated the title & OP to clarify.

 

So my 93 F150 broke that crossmember, but on the passenger side where the drop bracket for the axle beam bolts up. I welded it and it lasted about 5 years then broke again, so I welded it again and ended up doing a solid axle and it’s been fine since.
The wife’s 96 broke it a little closer to where yours did, I welded that one up and it’s been fine since.

Welding it is gonna be a lot less work than replacing it, you are pulling the motor and the front axle to get that out
I don’t know the Austin area, I would think a reputable 4x4 shop would be able to weld that then fab up a plate to re-enforce it if you don’t have the equipment to do it yourself

 

Wow is right. Clean all the metal, weld the crack and be sure to drill at the end of the crack and fish plate it?

 

Wow, okay thanks guys.
Any recommendations on how to seek out the best shop suited to do this sort of critical welding?
Or what it would cost, including a warranty?

I don't want a quick & dirty patch. I'd want it to be stronger than original.
And I'd make sure to degrease and clean up the entire area before bringing it in for repair.

Sort of like how broken bones are stronger than before, after they heal up.

I'm in Central Texas (Austin metroplex).

 

There's a little bit of a time vs cost decision to make on buying a junk yard cross member, especially if they're hard to remove. Looking online at junk yard prices, I can't find a price for a cross member, but gauging based on other parts, I'd bet it's gonna run about $100 if you pull it yourself.

For repair, I'd seek out a hot rod fabrication shop. I can't imagine it's gonna be cheap, though.

Is it yours? How long do you plan to keep it?

 

Finding a shop that will work on a frame is not easy. Talk to the local car groups to find a shop However it looks like that has pulled apart I would be worried about the frame position and the stress on that cross.

 

EDIT: wish you were closer to GA. I've got the front frame section out of a small block 95 F150 that I'm going to scrap, its got a perfect crossmember in it. I bought it for the front diff and the junkyard just cut the front 1/4 of the frame off and gave me the whole thing, TTB and all. Its free to a good home.