boxed frame question

[chiefheaphy]

Where Im at

Should I just straight up box the full frame rails then weld in some tube or rectangle for x-braces?

or..

Bolt the factory x-members back in then make some real good templates that mimic the curves. Weld not only to the c-channel but also to the x-members. Maybe even gusset a couple corners?? That should be plenty strong.

This is my first build...mininmal metal experience, jigsaw, 115v Lincoln 3200HD welder, want to do it right but also want to move on..you guys know how it is!

 

[ntsqd]

Not much really. I expected more but its actually pretty tame in that regard.

NTSQD,

I like that idea for a hanger. Might put that to use on the crew cab. Simple and solid.

HIJACK OFF>

Yea, that's why I hung onto the idea, I liked it too.

 

[DavidB]

I've been doing frame boxing searching.

I see some people saying that boxing is not necessary.

Like everything else, it depends on the truck, driver, and use.

I have a blazer with almost no body left, and what's left is falling off/falling apart. It's been flipped, flopped, rolled, wheeled, hammered, flexed, jumped. I have one ton axles with 44" tall military surplus tires that weigh 175 lbs each on long droopy 56" springs. The tires, axles, and springs exert a tremendous amount of force on the frame when I wheel it. I often carry a tire and wedge it thru Samurai size cracks, up/down thru/over places I have to get on all 4s to climb thru.
My frame is DONE, it's been repaired once or twice every weekend I've taken it out the last few times ,and I've only messed around a little those times. My old Jeep's body had a boxed frame and all the body mounts tore out of the body for the same reason, frame flexes, body doesn't want to.

My brother has a K10 with one tons and 38s, and his frame lasted a few years before starting to crack and tear body mounts. A truck has an advantage in that the cab and bed are separate.

In short...if it's really gonna get wheeled, and often, box it, and cage it well. The old theory was, it's gonna flex, so build it so it can flex and not break. Well, the problem is, metal only flexes so many times before it quits. So, I think like cybrfire...make it rigid - properly, and nothing will flex and wear out, except the suspension, which is what it's supposed to do.

One more thing : someone mentioned semi truck frames....they are made to flex, cause it's about impossible to make them rigid. I run a machine and weld shop where we fix them all the time. Once they start cracking, you just keep welding and fixing until it's time for a new truck.

My two scents. Or buck fifty.