Topic: Frame/Cab flex

[Oatmeal]

Okay, I posted this question on the "other" BB and got a few responses but, thought I'd ask here also but, instead of typing it all out again, I hope it's okay to just post a link to the "other" BB http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522491 ---------Hans

[BLACKDOG]

put some sturdier crossmembers on the frame.  These trucks simply aren't meant to go through what we tend to put them through.  I haven't had the same issues with the windsheild, but I have had my body/frame flex enough for my fuel door to pop open several times, and the latch goes into the body almost 3/4" of an inch. 

[DTB]

put some sturdier crossmembers on the frame.  These trucks simply aren't meant to go through what we tend to put them through.  I haven't had the same issues with the windsheild, but I have had my body/frame flex enough for my fuel door to pop open several times, and the latch goes into the body almost 3/4" of an inch. 

could be worse. At least it ain't a unibody. My cherokee buddy can't even open his doors when he's sitting on a speedbump 

[Rocksurfer]

Pretty typical on what we put our rigs through, over time that flexing will start to crack the body. It usually occurs on the inside of the fender well and then spreads to the outer fender. TurtleTrucks and Paul Acosta's 4Runner's both cracked in those spots.



How ya been Han's

[BLACKDOG]

could be worse. At least it ain't a unibody. My cherokee buddy can't even open his doors when he's sitting on a speedbump 

this is very true   why do you think blingnxj doesn't have doors? 

[Oatmeal [OP]]

put some sturdier crossmembers on the frame.  These trucks simply aren't meant to go through what we tend to put them through.  I haven't had the same issues with the windsheild, but I have had my body/frame flex enough for my fuel door to pop open several times, and the latch goes into the body almost 3/4" of an inch. 

Yours must be a 4Runner, I can't see that happening to a p/u bed. I wonder if the 4Runner frame and body are a little more rigid than the p/u's--------Hans

[Oatmeal [OP]]

Pretty typical on what we put our rigs through, over time that flexing will start to crack the body. It usually occurs on the inside of the fender well and then spreads to the outer fender. TurtleTrucks and Paul Acosta's 4Runner's both cracked in those spots.



How ya been Han's

  Hey, Ron how'r you doing? I just did a Coyote Lake run (last chance for the season) and man, was it cold! I really think the cracked crossmember welds could be the cause of the cab flexing......time to do a little gusseting (sp?) and welding-------Hans

[Hyena]

my windshield never cracked because of that.  but the front clip of my truck is falling apart.  my battery almost fell into my fan.  all of those sealed seams on the front clip are all cracked.  thats why i am cutting it off and tubing it.  it should stiffen up the cab a bit too.

[Rocksurfer]

Been doing fine, moved to AZ this month, you are prolly right when I cracked my 84's frame it went straight to the body and started splitting the sheet metal.

[DTB]

this is very true   why do you think blingnxj doesn't have doors? 

[Hottrod81]

My cab flexed so much on V-Rock (Bald Mtn.) that the steering shaft pulled away from the sterring box.  A bit scary when you don't have steering.

[Hottrod81]

  Hey, Ron how'r you doing? I just did a Coyote Lake run (last chance for the season) and man, was it cold! I really think the cracked crossmember welds could be the cause of the cab flexing......time to do a little gusseting (sp?) and welding-------Hans

Was there any other people up there on the Coyote Lake trail.  My favorite has to be Mirror Lake.

[Oatmeal [OP]]

Was there any other people up there on the Coyote Lake trail.  My favorite has to be Mirror Lake.

Well, our intention was to camp at Coyote (took friday off) but, we ran into a little trouble. I took my GF's kid, in his '02 Double Cab Tacoma along (it's pretty capable w/ f/r ARBs and armor) this was his first real hard rock trail (rite of passage) well, we get to the sandy flat where all the trails converge, lock our hubs and start out, only to discover that his front axle shaft won't engage (electronic ADD stuff) so, I crawl under the truck and pull the actuator motor and it's full of water! (not a good sign) however, I was able to manually engage the shaft and we were on our way. By the time we got all that squared away it was getting kinda late and this, being his first real rock trail, we decided to camp at Red, rather than have him wheel to Coyote in the dark. We did go up to Coyote the next day after breakfast, for the day, and I have to say, I was proud of the kid, he did really well. Getting back to your original question, there were a few day trippers at Coyote but nobody (to my knowledge) stayed up there (it was too darn cold!) Red, however, saw quite a few campers. Can't wait till next season! Uh....after I fix all the junk on my truck first!--------Hans

[Oatmeal [OP]]

Been doing fine, moved to AZ this month, you are prolly right when I cracked my 84's frame it went straight to the body and started splitting the sheet metal.

Arizona? What happened to the tow/impound business? Are you liking it there? How about Scott, is he still in Ca? Tell him I said Hey! ----------Hans