Bent Frame question

[Syrborn]

Hello, I have a 1987 k5 that we originally bought with a bent frame. the truck has since decided that the other side needed to be bent further then the opposite already bent side. My question comes down to what do people normally do when you bend the frame? I have taken it for some estimates on straightening and they want around 800 bucks to do it. but after they straighten it how would I be able to strengthen it so it was off road worthy again? I have also searched for a new frame to put it on, or possibly welding on a new front end, but have not been able to find one. nor do i have the skills or knowledge to weld a new frame onto the front. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

 

[Deuling]

Where is it bent?

 

[Syrborn]

I can get a picture tomorrow but it is bent on the left hand side right where the power steering box is. well i believe is it actually slightly before it ( towards the front)

 

[Deuling]

It's probably cracked at the steering box. They are known to do that.

 

[dyeager535]

I'd buy a frame from a truck being parted out. I actually did (3 of them) 2 were bent.

I'm going to be taking the "junk" frames and cut out the side of the C-channel, and use it to box the inside of the good frame. Not as good as a cage, and still needs work to strengthen it more side to side, but that's my plan.

There is at least one company I believe who makes the correct cut-pieces of steel to box the frame if you wanted to go that route.

 

[Syrborn]

OK here is where it is bent. at least where I can visibly see it. I would consider that but I havent been able to find a doner here in AZ. What is involved with building a cage? does the engine need to come out? Or is it pre fabricated and you just weld it into a straight frame?

 

[Babaganoosh]

Does look like it has a good bend in it, a engine cage would have to be fabbed up, no one makes one.

I see your in surprise, not to far from me!

 

[Syrborn]

Yea a Fire hydrant and brick wall don't agree very well with the frame. Do you know a shop that would build one here? Or what it takes to build one? Any pictures maybe?

 

[Babaganoosh]

I know of a shop but can't think of the name, it is going to be pricy though. I know how it is done but I lack the skill to accomplish the task.

 

[Syrborn]

Do you think its worth it? I got an estimate from a shop at around 800 for just straightening the frame I havent shopped around though. My Dad can do some welding if thats what it needs, but we lack the tools currently.

 

[Babaganoosh]

800 is steep, I would he getting a come a long and pulling it back myself before that.

 

[owenst7]

Have you put it on an alignment table?

Most of the hardcore wheeling rigs around here have had "different" but likely even more severe damage done that has been repaired and are still in operation.

My '76 frame snapped completely through the bottom and the vertical on a trail one day. Only the top horizontal section was holding the front of the truck together. The body was flopping around and the suspension moved (was mostly just the frame bending). Luckily I was close to home because it was fatigued badly by the time I got to my driveway. I plated it, built a crossmember that better distributed force to the passenger side, and built a hydro assist system (this made a gigantic difference for only about $150) and then it drove great on the interstate and wheeled through the Rubicon on 40s with a welded front a ton of times.

I would find out how far out the axle is from perpendicular and how much it's scrubbing before I make any decisions. The tolerances on these trucks are pretty damn loose, and you really need to strengthen the steering box to frame region anyway, regardless of whether it is damaged or not (yet).

The engine crossmember also sucks. I highly recommend improving it.

 

[Syrborn]

with the come along how would you get the frame to go back up? I think i could pull it straight but it seems the frame is bent to the side and down. Owenst7 what does your brace look like? and what does it take to strengthen the cross member?