Got all my measurements tonight and then got it all drafted in the computer.
Awesome! Are you building that late model frame? Just wondering if we could compare measurements. I would be interested how different a pickup/blazer frame are.
I'll probably keep the frame width at 34 all the way. I don't think I will be narrowing the body. The goal of this rig is a good reliable rig that if needed I can drive on the road 4 hrs and go wheeling. It's not going to be a show queen. I will cut the fenders etc. for measurements I have been mainly measuring the top of the frame. Since everything will be custom down below the bottom doesn't matter. What were you thinking about the front?
Also rear shock mounting points. Some way to put them in a better spot not sure exactly how but gotta be a way or are you doing coilovers back there ?
Well I started measuring yesterday, but I need to get the core support, bumper and front axle off then I can get better measurements.
It looks like I can keep the frame width at 34" until it raises and necks down for the motor. Trying to figure out why GM would widen the frame to 37" in the middle for only 20" or so. Hopefully I can get it stripped to just the frame on thursday or friday. It is pretty amazing how much a stock frame flexes btw.
The frame needs to be narrow at the front to keep clearance between the frame/steering box and the tires. The 88+ frames are much wider but put the steering box on the inside of the frame.
The frame needs to be as wide as possible for rigidity. The super narrow 34" frame is part of why the 67-87 frames are so floppy, every newer generation is about a foot wider than that.
It's all a balance, I really like the narrower frame on my Blazer/buggy because there is less frame to get hung up on but it gets it's structure from the "cage" that's tied to the frame.
I was just going to post that pic here.
What you are looking at is the two frame horns and the rear section the flat area above the axle on back. Rest of this frame will be 2x6" rec. tube. So far coming together very easily. I'd say I'm within a 32nd of an inch from my drawings. Need a digital tape with a .01" resolution.
Just read this thread and it has me thinking. I was going to use the ORD coilover kit in the front of my 75 K20. I planned on using coilovers/links in the back with a pushrod setup but my frame is not the best and this sounds like an easy route. Just need to modify the frame I have mocked up in CAD.
I just threw some ideas at my dad and he thinks it would be doable pretty easily without a frame table. He used to stretch and shorten truck frames and he is a better welder than I am. Time to get some time in with him while I can.