Opinions on Frames of 67-72 Trucks

[GOPAPA]

I understand that the 71-72 Truck frames are of a better steel ,,therefore stronger than the 67-70-ies..
Does this apply to all trucks 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton frames ?
Are the frames better for hauling? Racing ? or adding crossmembers to the frame?
Just what does the stronger frame do for you ? thought this might be a subject not covered in this way and something to add to our trivia of our trucks.

In my situation (1972 frame) I have had to move the crossmember for the tranny and in doing so I have used bolts to re hook it to the frame ..Not sure if rivets are stronger than bolts ,,you tell me ..and what about doing this with the 67-70 frames ,,beings these were weaker as I was told ??

Opinions wanted..

[chas350]

As far as the rivets versus bolts, I would say rivets all the way. when the rivets are swaged (for lack of a better word) in the rivet diameter expands against the sides of the hole making a tighter fit preventing movement. movement allows wear. the twisting flexing nature of a frame can work at a bolted cross member. not a highway driven truck, but a 4x4 or work truck.

[GOPAPA]

Originally Posted by chas350

As far as the rivets versus bolts, I would say rivets all the way. when the rivets are swaged (for lack of a better word) in the rivet diameter expands against the sides of the hole making a tighter fit preventing movement. movement allows wear. the twisting flexing nature of a frame can work at a bolted cross member. not a highway driven truck, but a 4x4 or work truck.

I got to say I agree with you about the rivets ..makes sense ..

I just want to ask if you or who ever on the forum ever heard of what I just posted about the frames on the 71-72's being stonger steel ?

[chas350]

Originally Posted by GOPAPA

I got to say I agree with you about the rivets ..makes sense ..

I just want to ask if you or who ever on the forum ever heard of what I just posted about the frames on the 71-72's being stonger steel ?

1st time hearing it a few days ago. I have no other knowledge personally, but I betcha there are others here......

[WorkinLonghorn]

It's news to me,but I've never had an issue with frames failing and I use them HARD!!! (1963,and 2 1969s) Maybe in the rusty areas it's a factor?

[Stocker]

I'm not aware of any difference in the steel -- but wait 'til Andy gets back from PR, he'll probably know!

[sameyrasmea72]

For a tranny cross member, I would think that strength should not be major major concern because most if not all of the cross members for an auto trans are just bolted in and most are bolted in on the bottom side with nothing on the top side incase you want to move the cross member with the cab still on the truck

[chas350]

Originally Posted by sameyrasmea72

For a tranny cross member, I would think that strength should not be major major concern because most if not all of the cross members for an auto trans are just bolted in and most are bolted in on the bottom side with nothing on the top side incase you want to move the cross member with the cab still on the truck

I agree, tranny members are bolted. What I meant was just that a rivet is a solider connection in frame construction.