Z FRAME LINING. Need help

[dmartin1]

I welded bracing before and after the cut to keep frame rigid.

After the cut, i am trying to line up to weld and box it in.
How do you guys do this? See my pics, i have 1 side clamped matched up abd even/flush. The other side sticks out about an inch. It looks like its due to the taper in the frame.

Do i weld 1 side flush like it is with the clanps, then use the clamps to pull the other side in?
There was no tension when i cut, and no springing out of the frame that i could see.

Could i have braced a fea inches too far away?

Any help here would be great before i continue


Thank you

[dmartin1]

Pics

[rockyrivermark]

So your cutting down to a short bed right?
If so you should cut out the 12" under the cab area where the frame is straight.

[saxart]

Originally Posted by rockyrivermark

So your cutting down to a short bed right?
If so you should cut out the 12" under the cab area where the frame is straight.

What he's doing is called "Z'ing" the frame. It's done as an inexpensive way to "lay frame" without having to replace the front suspension cross-member. I've never attempted anything like this, but from what I'm reading, it works, but does bring about some other issues that arise after making such a drastic change.

[rockyrivermark]

Originally Posted by saxart

What he's doing is called "Z'ing" the frame. It's done as an inexpensive way to "lay frame" without having to replace the front suspension cross-member. I've never attempted anything like this, but from what I'm reading, it works, but does bring about some other issues that arise after making such a drastic change.

Ah. Interesting. Never heard of that before.
Cool.
Posted via Mobile Device

[dmartin1]

False alarm, i figured it out.

I must have braced tpo far back from the cut and the frame has some spring in it or somethibg.


What a PITA to get that squeezed together, and at the right height etc.

Next time ill put 50 braces lol.

[WB72]

You can keep the braces very close to the cut, just enough for the grinder, or plasma. I had the same problem when I shortened my frame.

If your cuts are at angles, you are going to gain wheelbase length, which will center up the wheel in the front wheel well, but if it is too much your steering column will need to be modified.

How much drop are you gaining by this? am planning this as well, I was thinking 1.5" because I heard there can be complications over 2". i like to play it safe.