adding crossmembers instead of boxing frame?

[Steve GMC]

so first off i did search and couldnt find my question.

after laying under my truck for a few hours contemplating on boxing the entire frame i started thinking. boxing the whole frame would be a PITA. not to mention in a few places my exhaust runs into the [ of the frame. the fuel lines and brake lines run through it and a the wireing harness.i was wondering if adding a cross member every few feet would help it prevent flexing? what would work better an X style or a bar running across. heck even some 2x4 or 2x6 steel tubing. i have a 20' stick of 2" 1/4"wall DOM i could use to make the braces. just wondering because it would be a heck of alot easier to make 5+ crossmembers than have to change basically my entire drivetrain to accomidate the exhaust routing. ect ect. any info is greatly appreciated

thanks
steve

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Anything helps, a combination of boxing and good crossmembers is really the ticket.

Replacing the stock crossmembers with better ones is a good start (especially if the rivets are loose, which they often are). Adding more crossmembers will help as well.

 

[toomany]

I boxed the frame on my 86 short box. Mainly because I had it down to the bare frame. Driving it, I noticed that it feels more solid than the other GM trucks I've driven. I never actually drove this one before the boxing though. For crossmembers I used some 2 1/2" 1/4" wall box tubing. I reused the stock trans, engine and front crossmembers. I needed new brake lines and fuel lines anyway...so that was no big deal. If you take your time and plan everything, you shoulndt have any problems.

 

[blazinzuk]

When you add crossmembers make sure to tie in to all the legs of the frame this will help more than if you just tied it into a single wall

 

[Steve GMC]

When you add crossmembers make sure to tie in to all the legs of the frame this will help more than if you just tied it into a single wall

yah i was thinking that too

 

[76zimmer]

If you can triangulate the top and bottom rails (intersecting at a point about 6-8" from the frame rails) with the crossmember that would be a great help.