Author Topic: Help! Frame bent! Ideas how to fix? (Read 4488 times)

YotaJosh · « **on:** Jun 09, 2007, 03:23:38 PM »

Well, I've known that my frame in the front has been damaged in an accident a long time ago. It got hit on the drivers side near the steering box. I'm trying to get my new spring hanger installed, but I want to fix the bent frame first and get my hood, fenders, and other sheet metal lined up properly.

I have at my disposal a welder, torch, 4 ton porta-power, come-a-long, and a 17lb digging bar (big cheater bar!). Somehow I should be able to get this thing somewhat back to right.

I know the first idea is going to be "Get another frame", and I'd like to do that, but I can't seem to find one.

Anyways, on with the pics. This is how bad it is from the front. There's nearly 2 inches of gap between the hanger and frame. The original crossmember was bent and mangled. I plan on getting some square tube to fix that.

Hanger mocked up and (mostly) level.

Ideas?

DTB · « **Reply #1 on:** Jun 09, 2007, 03:29:10 PM »

holy

that is tweaked! sorry i dont have any good advice

CTENG in KS · « **Reply #2 on:** Jun 09, 2007, 04:14:45 PM »

Being that far off, I would have to think there is a crease or crack somewhere? Possibly at the joint of one of the crossmembers. I would start looking for where that damage is. If the frame bent or creased at a contained spot, you may be able to make a strategic cut to relive the torque in the frame, then sqaure things back up.

YotaJosh · « **Reply #3 on:** Jun 09, 2007, 04:34:19 PM »

Quote from: CTENG in KS on Jun 09, 2007, 04:14:45 PM

Being that far off, I would have to think there is a crease or crack somewhere? Possibly at the joint of one of the crossmembers. I would start looking for where that damage is. If the frame bent or creased at a contained spot, you may be able to make a strategic cut to relive the torque in the frame, then sqaure things back up.

That's what I thought as well. I've looked the thing over, and measured all along the frame. It's good at the transfer case xmember, and at the "mini" bumpstop on the side of the frame. Close to the motor mounts is where it starts measuring off. I also think my engine leans to the pass. side a little.

*ROKTOY* · « **Reply #4 on:** Jun 09, 2007, 05:15:26 PM »

Maybe if you remove your steering box and take a pic of the drivers side frame rail we might be able to tell you a bit more.

kneedownnate · « **Reply #5 on:** Jun 09, 2007, 05:56:08 PM »

I'd be willing to be there was a fair amount of tension in that frame that was released when you cut out the stock crossmember. Probably didn't appear as bad till afterward?

YotaJosh · « **Reply #6 on:** Jun 09, 2007, 06:49:31 PM »

Quote from: toyguy86 on Jun 09, 2007, 05:15:26 PM

Maybe if you remove your steering box and take a pic of the drivers side frame rail we might be able to tell you a bit more.

I might do that. I'll see what I can do tomorrow.

YotaJosh · « **Reply #7 on:** Jun 09, 2007, 06:52:58 PM »

Quote from: kneedownnate on Jun 09, 2007, 05:56:08 PM

I'd be willing to be there was a fair amount of tension in that frame that was released when you cut out the stock crossmember. Probably didn't appear as bad till afterward?

I didn't notice to be honest. When I torched the xmember, it didn't "snap" out or anything, and I didn't notice the driver frame rail moving or anything.

I might be making some relief cuts in the bottom side of the frame and gently bending it back down.

Whoever did the body work on this thing back in the day, did just good enough of a job to hide their crappy work.

89toy · « **Reply #8 on:** Jun 09, 2007, 08:19:51 PM »

oldyellercj has an 83 that he is trying to get rid of for free. I don't know if it is the frame he wants to give up or not...but check it out. Classifieds - parts for sale - free stuff.

NT-OUTBACK · « **Reply #9 on:** Jun 09, 2007, 10:13:22 PM »

I would recommend not cutting the frame and bending it down. Since it is bent that severe I would look for another frame or take what you have to a body shop and have it pulled out the correct way. I'm willing to bet the frame is also shorter on one side than the other.

( . Y . ) · « **Reply #10 on:** Jun 14, 2007, 06:27:46 PM »

Got a frame you can have in southern Orygun.

jimbo74 · « **Reply #11 on:** Jun 14, 2007, 06:35:02 PM »

damn thats jacked... new frame or have it properly straightened by a frame machine

YotaJosh · « **Reply #12 on:** Jun 14, 2007, 07:26:28 PM »

Quote from: ( . Y . ) on Jun 14, 2007, 06:27:46 PM

Got a frame you can have in southern Orygun.

Thanks, but that's way to far away from me.

YotaJosh · « **Reply #13 on:** Jun 14, 2007, 07:33:37 PM »

I've decided that I'm going to get it as close as possible by making some relief cuts. I'm not building a show car, and it's not going to be driven everyday (or even every week). It's already bent, so I don't really care if I screw it up more. Getting it to the body shop will be hard since I've already cut it up, and the bill would be more than I bought the truck for.

I'm keeping my eye out for another frame (close to home) for the future.

89toy · « **Reply #14 on:** Jun 14, 2007, 07:41:55 PM »

hope everything works for you man...the frame looks bent even in your avatar

jimbo74 · « **Reply #15 on:** Jun 14, 2007, 07:47:27 PM »

youd be amazed at what a body shop charges.... it might seem like a lot, but talk to friends of friends.... i had a front clip removed and a used one (that i had already bought) installled and the frame straightened, they transfered everything over and installed the new fenders that i had already bought elsewhere and bled the radiator and all of that stuff for $1100 good as new, and yuo couldnt tell it had ever been in an accident either, just that the truck was blue with a purple front clip, lol

Gittinit · « **Reply #16 on:** Jun 14, 2007, 08:05:18 PM »

Quote from: YotaJosh on Jun 14, 2007, 07:33:37 PM

I've decided that I'm going to get it as close as possible by making some relief cuts. I'm not building a show car, and it's not going to be driven everyday (or even every week). It's already bent, so I don't really care if I screw it up more. Getting it to the body shop will be hard since I've already cut it up, and the bill would be more than I bought the truck for.

I'm keeping my eye out for another frame (close to home) for the future.

How close I might be willing top sell ya the pristine 79 frame I have. $150 and I will deliver it next time I'm down that way, or I could deliver it for 200$

Hottrod81 · « **Reply #17 on:** Jun 14, 2007, 09:36:08 PM »

Get a new frame. Sometimes you can find them for free or take up Gittinit's offer.

YotaJosh · « **Reply #18 on:** Jun 15, 2007, 06:02:18 AM »

Quote from: Gittinit on Jun 14, 2007, 08:05:18 PM

How close I might be willing top sell ya the pristine 79 frame I have. $150 and I will deliver it next time I'm down that way, or I could deliver it for 200$

Anywhere in AR is close enough for me. Is it a shortbed frame? If so, I'll come get it for $125. How's that sound?

Gittinit · « **Reply #19 on:** Jun 15, 2007, 06:57:22 AM »

Quote from: YotaJosh on Jun 15, 2007, 06:02:18 AM

Anywhere in AR is close enough for me. Is it a shortbed frame? If so, I'll come get it for $125. How's that sound?

Ok come get it. I need to know when you are gonna be here so I can pull the axles out from under it. I will throw in the push pull box and the tank too, but just couse I'm to lazy to pull them.

Oh yea it is a short bed and It has some makeshift sliders half way welded to it.

Gittinit · « **Reply #20 on:** Jun 15, 2007, 07:03:45 AM »

This pic kinda shows the um uh sliders/nerf bars.

YotaJosh · « **Reply #21 on:** Jun 15, 2007, 07:12:36 AM »

Do you still have this whole truck (as pictured), or is the bed/cab/etc. long gone by now?

As for when, the earliest I can come is next weekend, but it will probably be July before I can for sure.

Gittinit · « **Reply #22 on:** Jun 15, 2007, 07:46:53 AM »

Quote from: YotaJosh on Jun 15, 2007, 07:12:36 AM

Do you still have this whole truck (as pictured), or is the bed/cab/etc. long gone by now?

As for when, the earliest I can come is next weekend, but it will probably be July before I can for sure.

Cab bed is gone it has been a rolling frame for a year or so now, that I had plans to do something with. The buggy idea leaves me hot in the summer and cold in the winter. There is a complete longbed you could pick up near me for $400.

No hurry on getting this thing, I just need some notice so I can pull the axles and rear springs from it.

4x4Haze · « **Reply #23 on:** Jun 16, 2007, 06:29:17 PM »

try this... we got the new frame from pick-in-pull

weirdtimes_7 · « **Reply #24 on:** Jun 18, 2007, 02:53:05 PM »

take it to a shop, they have frame puller's that can pull the frame back into place... don't know why you couldn't do that....

military_stang

YotaJosh · « **Reply #25 on:** Jun 18, 2007, 03:10:47 PM »

Just an update...

My swiss cheese floorboards, mangled bed, bent frame, and other body/frame related crap depressed me to the point that I think I've found an '82 with a straight frame, near perfect cab/bed, no running gear, and for cheap!

Stay tuned. If I get the other truck, I have to swap my engine/trans/axles to it. Oh, and I'll have to swap my headlight buckets, grill, and other trim 'cause I'm keeping the round eyes.

Gittinit · « **Reply #26 on:** Jun 18, 2007, 03:29:52 PM »

Quote from: YotaJosh on Jun 18, 2007, 03:10:47 PM

Just an update...

My swiss cheese floorboards, mangled bed, bent frame, and other body/frame related crap depressed me to the point that I think I've found an '82 with a straight frame, near perfect cab/bed, no running gear, and for cheap!

Stay tuned. If I get the other truck, I have to swap my engine/trans/axles to it. Oh, and I'll have to swap my headlight buckets, grill, and other trim 'cause I'm keeping the round eyes.

Cool and staying first gen to....So I guess ya don't need that frame then? I have an 86 reg cab and an 86 extra cab if ya think ya might be interested.

YotaJosh [OP]

YotaJosh [OP]

YotaJosh [OP]

YotaJosh [OP]

YotaJosh [OP]

YotaJosh [OP]

YotaJosh [OP]

YotaJosh [OP]

Related Topics