Trying to fix my frame flex

[howdiy]

I'm going to tighten down all the bolts for the body mounts first of.

Since my body is kind of weak I'm thinking about this.

Just make an x with the rear body mount. I should strength it a good bit. I dont want to do a roll cage yet and this would be very easy to do.

 

[rcamacho]

There are a number of x brace designs out there for other vehicles. Seems like a good idea.

 

[JEBSR]

That will help strengthen it up, but in all honesty. You really should consider getting another frame put under that thing. Not trying to beat a dead horse or start a big argument but you know that the frame is cracked and bent. The only true fix is to just replace it. You can probably get another frame for under 100.00. By the time you buy the tubing, plate steel, welding wire or rods and clean that frame up to weld in the braces you could spend half of that or more. Plus you will still have a stiffened, cracked and bent frame. It isn't very hard to change out either. Anyway, just my opinion.

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

JEBSR is right. A memeber has post in the general parts forum right now with a few frames for sale for around that price.I think they are located in NE texas. Might be worth your while to take a look.

 

[BizeeB65]

I would also go with a replacement frame. Bracing a frame that is cracked and bent is just putting a band-aid on broken foot. Yea, you might be able to walk for a while just fine, but the real problem will not have been addressed.

 

[gmc4cw]

X3 on a new frame. my truck is trail only and I have considered swapping frames since it easier then continually fixing mine.

Plus if you get a straight frame you can do all the bracing, repainting, new lines while its easy to work on. set it on some jack stands, strip any rust off along with all the old brake and fuel lines. slap some paint on it and some new stainless fuel and brake lines.

then comes the hard part. swapping the entire drive train and body. you could do it the easy way. get another set of axles. rebuild them and hang them under the frame on another set of springs. might as well get another motor, trans and t-case. that way you can have it rolling before you swap the body.

at this point you have a decent platform so why stop there. get a spare cab and fix it all up. front clips are easy to come by so might as well just get one and use it instead of tearing your DD apart. now you just need to find a nice step side bed to put on it.

swap the Vin plates to the truck you just built. now your done.

thats probably what would happen if I ever decided to swap frames. But its still a better idea then fixing one that is really bent.

 

[howdiy]

Next summer I will probably do the frame swap. Theres not that much time left of summer soI don't want a major project during the school year.

I also have 3 extrapairs of doors and 2 front clips of an 86 and 88 suburban.

It's mostly just a matter of time.

Theres a nice 2wd step side right down the street for sale also. I never checked the price though. It's been there a few months. Maybes he is ready to let it go cheap