Box the frame?

[Tatt2d51]

What,or how, do you determine whether to you need to box the frame. I've got the rear tore apart and got to thinking about this. Would rather do it now than later if deemed necesary, and would rather not bother if not needed.

Thanks-

[MrBeast]

IMHO Boxing is always a good idea. Expecially if you are going to throw some power at it.

[Kim57]

If you have the skills it is an easy upgrade which is well worth the time. Better to do it and not need it than to not do it and wish you had.
Kim

[MrDude_1]

Originally Posted by Tatt2d51

What,or how, do you determine whether to you need to box the frame. I've got the rear tore apart and got to thinking about this. Would rather do it now than later if deemed necesary, and would rather not bother if not needed.

Thanks-

if you dont want your truck to flex, rattle and shake like a 51 pickup... you want to box it.
if you're putting in more power, then a stock straight six or more braking power then 4 wheel drums.. you probably want to box it too.

[jps03]

Not trying to hijack but I thought this would be an applicable question. When you guys box your frames do you have access holes or do you weld in cage nuts before boxing.

[OrrieG]

I'm going to chime in with a different perspective. My truck has the original frame with original rivets except for a couple. It is not boxed. All new brackets, cross members etc are bolted in with G8 bolts. My truck spent and will spend a lot of time off road. These truck were originally designed to flex when used in the fields, woods, etc. I have had my frame twisted like a prezel from from to back. If it had been welded I would be cracking the frame. I was told 30 years ago by an old timer that welding stuff to the frames created places next to the welds for cracking to occur and have always used bolts.

I do agree that if you are just occasionally crusing the freeway or streets, or racing, boxing makes sense to limit flexing and quiet down the squeaks. But they are old trucks and they will let you know it.

[Tatt2d51]

I was kind of expecting this would be the general answer.
So - next question - what size plate is standard for boxing it in?

[weldvair@embarqmail.]

1/8".....11 gage.

Don