Frame Splicing Help

[crazyhole812]

i shortened my 3/4 ton frame. now i need to figure how to reinforce it. i read the frame mod bible thread already. i talked to a guy today at the utility bed place and he said they ususally just butt weld and the weld a diamond on the inside. i was thinking of a diamond welded to the outside and then a long 36-40" plate bolted to the inside. does this seem sufficient? i was just wondering if i should somehow strengthen the flanges laterally?

 

[sled_dog]

personally I'd put a diamond on the bottom of the frame, one on the outside of the frame and the plate bolted to the inside sounds like a good idea. You can't go wrong adding beef. Weight savings is nice but if it means breaking a frame for a few pounds, forget it.

 

[jk3078]

When I shortend my frame I took a 12'' section of what I cut out narrowed it (3/8'' I think) to fit inside the frame at the butt weld, bolted it in useing 4 1/2'' bolts and then welded the top and bottom. I got the idea from a local semi truck shop and in theory it should be stronger than any other part of the frame. You also will want to grind the welds out smooth to prevent a "stress riser".

 

[MNorby]

i did my spline in the middle of the cross member that the front springs hanger for the rear spings rides so the crossmember hold it together along with the spring hanger. I spliced it at an angle, not a straight up and down and I didn't fish plate it and have never had a problem with it

 

[sled_dog]

i did my spline in the middle of the cross member that the front springs hanger for the rear spings rides so the crossmember hold it together along with the spring hanger. I spliced it at an angle, not a straight up and down and I didn't fish plate it and have never had a problem with it

this is the best way to do it, all be it a bit more difficult than a straight cut and fishplate.

 

[camiswelding]

I use a Z type cut... so stress is spread out... never had any problems.. alhough I do try to stay at least 6 inches aways from hangers or crossmembers... or areas of higher stress

cam

 

[crazyhole812]

i did my spline in the middle of the cross member that the front springs hanger for the rear spings rides so the crossmember hold it together along with the spring hanger. I spliced it at an angle, not a straight up and down and I didn't fish plate it and have never had a problem with it

that was my original plan but then i didn't want to mess with the crossmember. now i have to mess with two. i should have reconsidered before i cut. i guess i'll just have to make it work now.