Thanks to the pics powerdriver 1958 posted, I got it figured out....
Here's what i accomplished yesterday:
I cut the frame rails directly behind the front cab supports, and they ended up being the perfect length, quite by accident...
I measured 8 inches forward from the bed mounting pads, in order to avoid having to mess with the rear cab mounts (i'm so sick of rivets, but that's another story).
i cut 45 degree angles under the assumption that i would create an equilateral triangle because the frame is 34" measuring across to the outer edges of the frame, and from where i initially cut, i had almost exactly 34", but i suck at math, and didn't account for the 3" wide tube, and a couple other factors, but all in all, here it is
i still need to strengthen the gaps where i screwed up the angles, brace the center piece, and pick up a coupler.
on a side note, once i notched the upper and lower edge, the frame rail bent with little force, which was my biggest concern starting out
i'll post more pics later