Anybody know why the heck my frame is like this??

[ezslim]

The bed on my trcuk was always higher on the passenger side since i got it and i wondered why. I ripped off the bed today only to notice that the frame is higher from the passenger side Up until the rear axle the frame is straight but the two axle pieces going across behind the rear axle seem to the the ones in trouble? i will attach a pic. Is it a bushing thats making it unequal? is this a big issue or can i put something under it to keep the other side lifted to?

[SCOTI]

Someone in the trucks past prob tried to pull something & chained to one side of the frame. The torsional forces pulled one frame rail out of parallel w/the other.

[ezslim]

So can it be fiexed or can i jus add a spacer on the other side to just raise the bed from that side also? this is going to be a show truck not a hauler... or am i F********d

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ezslim

So can it be fiexed or can i jus add a spacer on the other side to just raise the bed from that side also? this is going to be a show truck not a hauler... or am i F********d

It can possibly be fixed. Take it to a frame/alignment shop & see what they say or give it a shot yourself.

[mclairmo]

Frame is bent and must be fixed. A good body shop with a frame rack can easily get the frame back in shape. Looks like the driver side needs to be pushed up. You will likely not be able to bend it back yourself.

[ezslim]

Originally Posted by mclairmo

Frame is bent and must be fixed. A good body shop with a frame rack can easily get the frame back in shape. Looks like the driver side needs to be pushed up. You will likely not be able to bend it back yourself.

i believe you could be onto something b/c the body lines were lower and not matchin on the driver side thanks!!any idea as to how much im looking to pay?

[ezslim]

also.. how does my frame look? this is my first build. i know NOTHING about cars (facts aside) practically..


DO i have to fix the frame or can i put something between the frame and bed. Is this bend going to affect an safety or wear issues or is it not damaging?

[SCOTI]

I had a frame straightened recently for $300.... prices will vary depending on severity of the damage, location, & the shop doing the work. Don't space the bed on something that out of whack. A smaller .250 to .500" spacer maybe for slight alignment issues, but not 1" plus for obvious frame damage.

[ll____b0t____ll]

Listen to these folks dont try to rig your frame with shims and whatnot get it fixed right or get a new frame.

[Mayo]

My bed is like that too. It sits higher on the left side that right. I bet somebody hit it before I got it because my rear bumper is pushed right up against the bed on the left side.

[GruntMoanCough]

Welcome EZ.
Looks like a simple twist, not too difficult a repair. You would need to tie down the frame somehow.
Best to take it to a frame/bodyshop, probably about 6 HRs to repair, don't know shop rates out your way.
Good luck!

[jsmithbm]

Originally Posted by GruntMoanCough

Welcome EZ.
Looks like a simple twist, not too difficult a repair. You would need to tie down the frame somehow.
Best to take it to a frame/bodyshop, probably about 6 HRs to repair, don't know shop rates out your way.
Good luck!

You have a out of level issue, probably a twist. I would start at the center section of the cab. Obtain a Center line and then take some measurements from there. Best thing to do is look up a frame shop. The would be a little higher than a body shop but when the finish you can rest assured that the frame will be back to spec. Make sure the give you some kind of before and after meaurement. Should be a simple fix. 80 or per hour for about 4 to 6 hours. Just my .02

[ezslim]

thanks everyone for the help... the bend isnt realli there around the rear axle it jus happens behind the wheels.. the last two horizontal pillars... I guess it was hit maybe? i dont know but this is an unexpected cost i will be incurring

[mclairmo]

Have to get it fixed properly since it could adversely affect driving, steering and handling characteristics. The rear suspension/diff is located back there and may be slightly out of whack now because of the bent frame.

[mclairmo]

I've incurred many unexpected costs in my life. Actually, my life is basically lived from one unexpected cost to the next. I live by the rule a threes. It always ends up taking three times as long to complete and costing three times more than you planned.

[ezslim]

UPDATE*

i dont know if this is relevant or has anything to do with the frame issue but what i did notice while jumping on the back bumper is that the side tht is falling is very bouncy as opposed to the right side which is the higher(or normal hieght) is stiff? could it be an issue with worn shocks or springs??

[ezslim]

bump

[mclairmo]

Get the rear frame off the rear suspension and you can tell. In other words, jack it up until tires are off the ground and then support frame directly with stands. You can then determine if the frame is bent or if you just have spring sag. Also, with truck on the ground, measure distance between trailing arms and frame at same spot on each side. From the pics, I would swear your frame is bent, but who knows.

[GruntMoanCough]

If you look at your bottom pic, you can see that the cab and the first two cross members are even and the rearward cross member is not even with everything else.
The twist doesn't start until after the rear suspension.
Seems that the left shock is shot (looks like it's leaking), maybe related to the frame damage.