Boxing the frame?

[Luba]

Anyone ever box the frame on a first gen blazer? And if so was it worth it? I am planning on a frame off and was thinking of boxing mine.

[bouncytruck]

Why do you need it boxed? Is it a 4wd or a 2wd truck? My understanding is that the frame needs a certain amount of flex for hard-core offroad use so most don't box them and for a 2wd you really only need to do it if you're running some massive powerplant.

[Chris27]

Don't know if it's really necessary. The first gen Bronco's have a fully boxed frame stock, and they wheel pretty good. (but their just not as cool as a blazer). It might be alot of work for nothing.

[onetonk5]

I cant imagine an instance where it would be beneficial. I would imagine many possibilities for stress cracks to start if you box the frame. Like bouncytruck said the frames are meant to flex a certain amount.

[RED72blazer]

While My experience with boxed frames is some what limited, and only from one make of vehicle.(Land Rover/Range Rover) We do see some stress fractures on heavily wheeled rigs.

[Doghouse]

Luba, were you thinking of boxing the frame in lue of using rocker (torsion) boxes? I need to replace mine and was thinking of doing the same thing.Bob.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by Doghouse

Luba, were you thinking of boxing the frame in lue of using rocker (torsion) boxes? I need to replace mine and was thinking of doing the same thing.Bob.

Boxing the frame will be of zero help for the lack of rockers.

1st gen frames were designed to flex, like it or not.
Boxing it so it won't flex will only result in those stress loads going elsewhere, most likely to inflict bigger problems as a result.

[Luba]

This is for a 4x4 that will have 1 ton axles, 35 inch tires, and 600+ hp under the hood. It will be for sand and mud drags, maybe mud bogs, and street cruising plus the sand dunes- no rock crawling. I also plan on having a full cage tied to the frame- along with the windshield, firewall, and bedsides. Also thinking of a 4 link front and rear. I just don't see how these frames are suppose to flex. I think by doing all of the above, it should stop the flexing. I have a buddy who boxed his frame on a 78 chevy pick-up running about the same set-up and he said it was well worth it. I don't mind the work I am doing it myself so it won't be a big deal. I think it would be similar to running solid motor mounts. If everything is caged and boxed to each other securely, I can't see any negatives. What do you think?

[bouncytruck]

The rocker boxes support the tub. Boxing the frame won't have any effect on the tub as far as the support provided by the rocker boxes.

[Jtrux]

I think it would be a good idea to do some reinforcing. I was wheeling my blazer earlier this week with all the rain we've been having down here in San Antonio and when I got it up on some hills and flexed the suspension the framed flexed so much that I couldn't open the doors and it also affected the clutch a little.

[onetonk5]

Originally Posted by Jtrux

I think it would be a good idea to do some reinforcing. I was wheeling my blazer earlier this week with all the rain we've been having down here in San Antonio and when I got it up on some hills and flexed the suspension the framed flexed so much that I couldn't open the doors and it also affected the clutch a little.

A well built cage will help with those problems.

[RED72blazer]

Originally Posted by onetonk5

A well built cage will help with those problems.

exactly what I was thinking.

[onetonk5]

Go ahead and box the frame.....prove us all wrong. You may like it.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by onetonk5

Go ahead and box the frame.....prove us all wrong. You may like it.

Only time will tell...

[sandking]

I was thinking about doing this to my Blazer also (more into desert racing not crawling), but after reading this. I will just reinforce the areas that I think need to be. I will have a strong 1-3/4 DOM cage tied to the frame at many different locations.

As far as energy transfer, if your suspension is set up correctly, it will absorb the energy. Compression is your friend.

[Luba]

You guys may want to read this thread on another board about boxing a 72 blazer. I want my suspension to flex not the frame.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...t=frame+boxing

[sandking]

Originally Posted by Luba

You guys may want to read this thread on another board about boxing a 72 blazer. I want my suspension to flex not the frame.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...t=frame+boxing

hhhhhmmmm.................... good reading there!!! Now I am just as confused as to what to do as that guy was.

[RED72blazer]

Originally Posted by Luba

You guys may want to read this thread on another board about boxing a 72 blazer. I want my suspension to flex not the frame.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...t=frame+boxing

I've read that thread before....I'm still not convinced.

[Luba]

For the record the guy on the pirate thread did box his frame. I will be doing mine also. I guess we see things differently.

[RED72blazer]

Originally Posted by Luba

For the record the guy on the pirate thread did box his frame. I will be doing mine also. I guess we see things differently.

cool, I'm sure you'll be happy with it....

[dentmaster]

I am in the middle of a ground up restoration also...I boxed my frame around the steering box only.Then I powdercoated the whole frame... If you run a big tire it will help to keep the frame from flexing at times.

[jamie72]

i just wonder why you even asked our opinion, you had your mind made up already...

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by jamie72

i just wonder why you even asked our opinion, you had your mind made up already...

Yeah, same thing I was thinking...why.