Ok, I bought this 86 4runner for $500 not running (typical blown head gasket and warped head) which I have now fixed. I noticed that the front passenger "corner" has been replaced with another section of the frame. It is obviously been stick welded, but in my opinion the welds look good and it has a pretty good stitch pattern.

My plans are to SAS this truck next month and I hope the frame will not be an issue. It looks to me that this section has been welded in for a long time and it has held up so far. I thought about welding a plate to the bottom of the frame below the weld because that part is in tension while the top is in compression and probably does not need reinforcement (in my opinion). Will this suffice? Do I have anything to worry about? I want to build this truck right but do not want a weak section of frame. Also, would this be the location that the rear shackle will attach at the frame? Thanks for all help. Pics below:

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2124/1221/30308110041_large.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2124/1221/30308110038_large.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2124/1221/30308110040_large.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2124/1221/30308110042_large.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2124/1221/30308110039_large.jpg

needs fish plates

looks like its held good for a while, but cheap insurance while you are already doing an sas is plate the frame all the way around. You can plate it up past the shock mount so you dont rip it off. Just do it right so you dont have to worry about it later. just my 2 cents

your talking about the diamond shaped plates? Will that make it plenty strong?

thats what he's talking about and it will be much stronger than what u have. You are going to spread the weld surface over a greater area and reduce the chance of a crack that breaks your frame in half.