Very bent frame on trail rig ???

[sope]

Last time out slamed in to an excavator dig out. I hit the other side with my front bumper and bent the frame upwards about 3 " The kinks are about 6" in front of the rear hanger of my front leaves. I have no time now for a frame swap or a new project. I got my body lines to line up good enough and it drives straight. I'm happy enough with it the way it is as a trail rig.

My question is, is it likely to bend up further from regular wheeling now there's a kink in the upper flange of the frame? I wheel pretty hard and the specs of my rig are in my sig. Oh and it's a half ton frame.

Thanks.

 

[sledheadak]

if you hit it hard again thats where the frame will fold.tie it down and see if you an bend the frame back or take it to a frame shop and have them pull it straight for you .then you can box it to keep it from rebending

 

[stockk5]

most of our frames are doing the same thing.. i am trying to figure out a way to box the frame in that area... but i know that starts lots of problems too right?

 

[xCaliK5x]

be careful until you can do a frame swap, now the metal is weakened. My guess it will fold like a paper bag in another hit like that if its bent 3 inches up and creased. You could pull it and box it I guess, that would probably suffice, but thats not my area of expertise.

 

[sope]

Thanks for the advice I'm trying to decide on finding a new frame, getting it straightened or complete new and different rig with all my running gear.. I'm commited to two runs in the next few weeks. I have to lead them both. I'm gonna wheel with it bent and see how it goes. I've had to do a couple of mods to make up for the bend.

 

[stockk5]

yeah im really curious to see what other ppl say about boxing a the frame right there.. or what else an be done.

 

[sope]

yea it's kind ofa wierd spot brhind the motor mounds and between the shackles. I can't believe it drives straight. I was at 10 PSI so mabe that's why it drove straight.

 

[ChrisPerry]

Did you see diy4x's latest endeavor? http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262271
Maybe for the next frame

 

[original balzer]

I remember seeing rick pewe's GPW looking like a u.... Just wheel it

 

[sope]

Well i've done a couple things to make up for the bend. I've put an electric fan in because the original was hitting the front cross member and I've removed the 2" body lift blocks from under the rad support, just for appearence. I've taken it on three runs, the last one pretty hard and it wheels great. Even on pavement on the quick run too the trails it seems fine and drives straight. I may weld in some braces of some kind where the bend is in case I do end up slamming my winch hard in to something again.

I'm doing my best to make Blazer Bash in my bent rig. Hopefully see you there.