who here has a "C" notch and still uses thier truck as a truck

[jonzcustomshop]

I was looking at my 65 earlier today, and wishing it was a little closer to the ground....
Problem is I do use it still for dump runs, and general truck hauling...
Do any of you that have a c notch through the bed still use your truck as a truck?
How much of a PITA is the c notch?

I tend to keep it on the pavement, so the low ground clearance would not be too much of an issue.

[vin63]

I did before I tore it down, and I will after I finish the re-build. I used to haul oat hay for our horse (6 full bales) every month, or so, various car parts (blocks, transmissions, etc.), and pull a flatbed trailer. The previous owner of the truck had someone install the C-notch (not very well), so as I'm finishing up my frame modifications, I'll fix it.

[joe231]

are you asking about a C notch or a step notch?
with C notch, generally the bed is left un-cut...
i know guys with newer trucks with a C notch who still haul some heavy stuff, huh Scott?

[Oregoon]

It shouldn't affect the carrying capacity much, though you'll bottom out on the axle more readily.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by joe231

are you asking about a C notch or a step notch?
with C notch, generally the bed is left un-cut...
i know guys with newer trucks with a C notch who still haul some heavy stuff, huh Scott?

Even w/a bolt-in style c-notch, the pumpkin can (will) hit the floor if you're low enough. I used my 68* for hauling all kinds of crap from here to there & it tugged my 18ft car trailer around w/no issues. For reference, the top of the axle tube was 1" above the bottom edge of the stock framerail @ 'normal' ride height.

*I figiured this was related because my 68 & 64-66's have the same rear frame section.

[kdrodworks316]

WOW Jon, how much lower are you planning on? The monster notch in the D&D truck was huge, which pretty much made the bed usless, The burban is c-notched and on 5" coils, I havent hs any problems yet hauling stuff, and by "stuff" you know what they haul in a hearse.

[jonzcustomshop]

probably one of those monster notches is what I am thinking... however I do like the rake that dino has on his panel...

[dieselarmy13]

This is what my bed looks like. I have a piece of scap plywood that I cut to go between the frame rails. I use it for dump runs, parts runs, ect.

[jason65]

I bet a guy could reinforce the notches where it is welded to the frame and weld a plate on the top of the notches and hook up a lowered 5th wheel. I wonder what that would look like.

[Joey~AP]

Raise the floor of your bed.

[c10addict]

Raised the bed floor in my truck.. I think its the best direction you can go and still haul anything..

[redsean]

and a set of air shock or helper bags and you should be able to carrie any thing. hell my S10 is steped whith the air up i can carrie more now than before with stock set up

[RunninLo]

Jon, on the 92 dually we used to haul a drag bike alot and so it has the bed floor raised so the floor is flat. I did it while doing the body drop and so it was over body dropped and then spaced up similar to a body lift. other than being a touch shallow it still hauls great. I should be seeing the truck come home soon so it should be available for your inspection. I also plan to give the white dually the same treatment but won't start that until I have spindles for it ( Hint, Hint I won't point fingers but the guilty party knows who they are waiting on you man! ) let me know if I can help out in anyway.

Josh

[Slow Build]

I had Bell Tech notches and Airjack system in my 89 short fleet. I put 1850 lbs of moss rock in it, put a little air in the bags and drove home with no worries at all. Drove it 150,000 of it's 250,000 miles with that setup then sold the truck for $4500. I don't know about putting them on the newer thin framed trucks but our older thick frame rigs should be strong enough to still do some work.

Is it better to bolt them in or weld them?

My 89 was welded, but some people told me you should bolt them in and the welding weakens the frame. I bolted in the next one on my 93 xcab, but I always thought the 89 felt stronger. I didn't put any notches on my 2002 xcab. Those frames just look too thin to cut into.

[jonzcustomshop]

^ thanks for bringing this back up... I have a new bed , and there is no wood in itat all, so this is probably the time to start thinking about dropping it.