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frame flex

makovai

makovai

1/2 ton status
Joined
Jun 6, 2006
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Location
oregon city
I converted my rig to 3/4 ton with cross steer and the xj steer shaft. I still had sloppy steering so i did a little research to see all my new goodies are solid but the frame is actually flexing as i turn the wheels.

This rig has had the steering box broke off it b4 but it looks like a pretty solid repair job.

What suggestions do you guys have to solid up the frame. Added crossmember????
 
Box it in right there.

Is it road worthy yet or would it be best if I came over there?
 
Im having the same problem, i just ripped my box off my frame as well. Im going with hydro assist. to take some of the stress off everything else, that should help with the frame flexing. Also I think i might get the ORD engine cross member to help.
 
i'd brace the box into the front crossmember and into the engine crossmember.
 
makovai said:
I converted my rig to 3/4 ton with cross steer and the xj steer shaft. I still had sloppy steering so i did a little research to see all my new goodies are solid but the frame is actually flexing as i turn the wheels.

This rig has had the steering box broke off it b4 but it looks like a pretty solid repair job.

What suggestions do you guys have to solid up the frame. Added crossmember????
Click to expand...



:eek1: :eek1: :eek1:

Any pics?!!

This is the first time I've heard a First Gen. having that problem.
 
its flexing just behind the box......although its kinda hard to tell where the weak spot is.

2180334_86_full.jpg
 
Muddytazz said:
Box it in right there.

Is it road worthy yet or would it be best if I came over there?
Click to expand...

not road worthy yet. I'm taking my steering column to that terry guy today to have it rebuilt.

Also This is ready to go in.....so i want to fix the flex when i pull the front clip off. I just need a belt a tensioner and linkage.....if i use these holleys.


2180334_130_full.jpg
 
makovai said:
not road worthy yet. I'm taking my steering column to that terry guy today to have it rebuilt.

Also This is ready to go in.....so i want to fix the flex when i pull the front clip off. I just need a belt a tensioner and linkage.....if i use these holleys.


2180334_130_full.jpg
Click to expand...


I remember that motor :D !

Did that come oot of your vette?
 
Just a quick note, the rig pictured needs some bump stops/ extensions.
 
rcamacho said:
Just a quick note, the rig pictured needs some bump stops/ extensions.
Click to expand...

Naaaa. I dont hit the speed bumps that fast. :haha:



no that motor did not come out of the vette. The vette was a tunnel ram 427. This is just a baby SBC with all show & no go...... 26 tooth on bottom 39 on top....very little boost.


BTW....the blower belt is just for your viewing pleasure.....that is a piece of black cove base i used to see how the clearances were on my v belt pulleys.
 
what about knocking out all the rivets in the engine crossmember and the ones in the front crossmember and bolting them in? I know that over time the rivets can loosen up and allow the flexing.
 
makovai said:
Naaaa. I dont hit the speed bumps that fast. :haha:



no that motor did not come out of the vette. The vette was a tunnel ram 427. This is just a baby SBC with all show & no go...... 26 tooth on bottom 39 on top....very little boost.


BTW....the blower belt is just for your viewing pleasure.....that is a piece of black cove base i used to see how the clearances were on my v belt pulleys.
Click to expand...

Either way... TOTALLY BADASS!! :bow:
 
You need a support running from the backside of the frame (at the steering box) to one of the crossmembers up front. ORD sells a brace that does exactly that.
 
get/make a support at the steering box, and one further back, behind the tcase member. The less frame tweeking you have all over, the less stress you get on any one point, plus you get more mounting points for under armour
 
some good suggestions.

I'm just wondering if there should be a little flex or none at all.

I took my steering column in today to have it rebuilt, (the lower bearing was worn) after that everything in my steering is new.
 
I installed the ORD Brace it really help a whole bunch.
 
A little flex always helps articulation, but none at all will force you to make better suspension. Honestly, I'd make it for no flex, then figure out what to do with the suspension...4 link... If you go with something like a 4 link you'll get coils, which are way better than our leafs. You can even go with a half leaf design. That's something I've thought about, but haven't looked into very much.

If you forget about the cross member idea totally and just throw on some 1/8" plate for armour you'll stiffen up just fine. Armour is good. Rocks beat cast iron every time...
 
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