Welding A Frame... Better Then Before Or Strictly Show?

[hick]

Folks,

I have been a long time lurker and am dying to come out of the shadows with a truck to work on... but i am having a hard time making up my mind. So I hope you don't mind me posting a more "general" question as opposed to a more project specific vehicle... Hoping this might make my choice a little easier

It common practice in here to cut a LWB into a SWB. I want a SWB 3/4 BUT I don't want to loss the ability and strength of the 3/4. IE I still want to be able to haul with it, tow with it, etc

In your opinions, as i feel this is the single most experienced forum on this topic, if done by professionals (a full blown welding/frame shop) is a shortened 3/4 ton frame as strong as a factory? Assuming the welds are done properly, its fish plated and EVEN boxed... am I losing any integrity?

I do appreciate any and all insight, as a lurker i have come to realize there are many knowledgeable people in here.

Keep up the good work guys, and thank you for keeping this forum #1 in my history.

Scott

[oldblue1968chevy]

What do you wanna haul that you've gotta have a 3/4 ton?

I would guess itd be suffiecient

[hick]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

What do you wanna haul that you've gotta have a 3/4 ton?

I would guess itd be suffiecient

Bobcat trailer

Gooseneck trailer of various sizes (dump trailer, flat deck, etc)

I refuse to own and a truck and not use

[Rob H.]

A properly welded Z-cut and fish plated frame will be stronger than original, definately still able to tow and work with. It has been pretty common practice in heavy trucks for years.

[Stricklinator]

Originally Posted by Rob H.

A properly welded Z-cut and fish plated frame will be stronger than original, definately still able to tow and work with. It has been pretty common practice in heavy trucks for years.

I agree, if it's done properly, the joint will be stronger than the frame is anywhere else.

Paul
Posted via Mobile Device

[Eagle Custom]

They do it every day on dump trucks so I dont see any issues.

[67_C-30]

The frame was extended on my '69 C-30 ramp truck many, many years ago and its still holding up fine. I have put more weight on and behind this truck than you could ever put on a pickup. I would not worry about it in the slightest as long as the welder is competent.

[LockDoc]

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I agree with the "no problem if done right" crowd. I would not box it. I think it puts more stress on the frame at both ends of the box plate because it can't flex.

Personal opinion: I think this is the best way to do it...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=123624

LockDoc

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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.

Personal opinion: I think this is the best way to do it...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=123624

LockDoc

Agreed. No question about it.

[hick]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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I agree with the "no problem if done right" crowd. I would not box it. I think it puts more stress on the frame at both ends of the box plate because it can't flex.

Personal opinion: I think this is the best way to do it...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=123624

LockDoc

You bring up another interesting point about boxing it....

I want to box cause i'd like to put a cummins in there. In part to deal with the diesel it self, but also get a little more strength out of it...

Your opinions??

Thank you for the cutting link as well, thats one of the first threads i ever saw on this forum and the way he rounded the corners to prevent cracking is some thing i remember to this day

[TrkEnvy]

I might also offer a word of advise and that is if possible stick weld it rather than wire feed. Wire is plenty strong if done correctly, but when I do mine it will be with 7018 stick for better penitration.