[hatzie]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Please do not allow yourself to be baited by trolls. This will only result in an infraction for you as well as them once things escalate to a pissin contest..

I will say that I would have answered you differently had you stated what your intentions were. Since you aren't just cutting a 73-87 from SWB to LWB none of the articles in FAQ will give you the dimensions you need. What it will show you is the preferred method of cutting and splicing a frame.

Some feel a straight cut or angle cut is adequate. I personally prefer the additional work area created by a step notch style splice. That would be further strengthened by a backing plate that is plug welded through holes as well as perimeter welded too.

I agree on that.
The slash or straight cuts are probably OK but they've always given me the willies.
The elongated step cut gives you more work area and it's easier to align.

Nothing will be as good as an unmolested frame... but it's harder to overload a short box and shorties are generally not used as work trucks or heavy towing trucks. In theory the stress should be limited.