Will a C-Notch put the pumpkin through my bed?

[crakarjax]

Topic sounds funny... anyway I read some guys mention in one thread that with a C-Notch, the top of the pumpkin will hit the bed if you bottom out. Is this true, for a C-20 with a 12-bolt (or for any combo)? I know the C-20 frame is a bit higher so that buys some distance.

While I am on topic, why do a lot of people buy c-notch kits instead of just welding in a pipe section? Seems like a good way to save $80.

[moosejhr]

I C notched my 67 swb and have no problems hitting the bed

[mullit]

it depends on how much you lowered

[crakarjax]

Originally Posted by mullit

it depends on how much you lowered

Well, I guess my question is if your axle hits the top of the notch will the pumpkin hit the bed? Also where do the bumpstops go when notched?

[Spray-Bomb]

I dont know about C/20s and possible frame differences, but Im pretty sure wood floor vs steel floor makes some difference

Like Mullit said, it also would depend on how much you are lowered as to how often you bottom out

But bottomed out is bottomed out, so if you measure from the top of your pumpkin to the bottom of the floor when the axle is touching the frame, you can see how much you can notch it without hitting the floor

A lot of people buy the bolt in notches because they cant weld, and it is cheaper for them to buy something they can do, rather than pay somebody to weld one up for them

[Hottrucks]

yea what he said...^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I took out my springs dropped the axle to the frame to get center of the c notch ...cut a piece of 6" pipe in half...and welded it in...the # your looking for is from the top of the frame from side to side to the top of your pumpkin...mine is so close that if you jump in my junk bed you can feel the pumpkin under the floor ( because its the only solid thing under it??)...bump stops?? what are those??..I saved mine with intentions of putting them in and when the new bed goes on I'm going to weld a L bracket on the side of the frame where I plated it over the C notch and attach my stock bump stops...

its an easy project if you can weld...don't forget to fix your panard bar to square up your wheels...I'm going o goto a 36" bar that goes from the stock frame hanger to the trailing arm behind the axle...another cheap fab on the trailing arm and CPP has a killer deal on them right now

you could do both c notchs and the trailing arm in a few hours if the bed is off

[N2TRUX]

If you have the ability to build your C-notch then go for it. As mentioned some prefer a fabbed notch.

There are several ways to mount bumpstops. I would set the limit of 1" clearance between the top of the pumpkin and the bed, and build install your stops to prevent further travel.

[GVizzle]

YES, with the CPP notch fully bottomed out. It will tap.

[mixermike]

Originally Posted by GVizzle

YES, with the CPP notch fully bottomed out. It will tap.

mine does

[LEEVON]

don't worry about the pumpkin, put your notch in then buy some bumptstops from Summit. They have 100's of different sizes and shapes (and lengths). If your notch is flat you can just bolt one of the right size in right above the axle.

[crakarjax]

Originally Posted by LEEVON

don't worry about the pumpkin, put your notch in then buy some bumptstops from Summit. They have 100's of different sizes and shapes (and lengths). If your notch is flat you can just bolt one of the right size in right above the axle.

Funny, I was just thinking exactly that, which prompted me to check on this thread! I actually like the idea of having a bumpstop on top of the notch regardless of whether it will hit or not. I was trying to think of where to put the bumper... on the frame where the axle hits seems like the cleanest and most logical place for it. I was going to do a 3" notch out of 6" pipe which would almost definitely hit based on what's been said. Bumpstop will fix that!

[N2TRUX]

Mine are located in the C-notch right above the axle. Pretty good place to have them...

[67Fleet]

to answer your question, yes it will hit the bed if you are low enough, as in an air-ride setup. I chose to cut a small square in the bed floor so that when I was parked and fully aired out I could get as low as possible. Like N2TRUX said, just put some small bumpstops (like the button ones from Energy Suspension) at the top of your c-notch and you'll be good to go without any cutting.

[mchauler]

I have a 64 long bed, that i notched with a classic ent kit. I welded it in and boxed it cause I plan on towing and loading bikes in back. The pumpkin will hit the wood floor. I fixed the problem by having a 1/8 plate , braked like a "U" . 1 foot wide with 1" brakes on each side, and 8 foot long like the bed. it runs down the middle of the bed upside down. that way the diffy goes up in it. the wood will butt up to it on each side. But like I said Im doing it because I will be hauling motorcycles and the plate is nice and solid to hold a 800lb bike.