4x4 Conversion Frame Boxing?

[Fursphere]

Hello there!

I'm in the process of converting a C10 '66 Panel Truck to 4WD. The suspension and axles are already installed (from a 70s something 4x4 rig) - all 1 ton running gear.

I kept the original '66 frame. I'm also installing a 454 / T400 / NP205 setup. The body is currently off the frame. Dana 60 Rear / Corporate 14 Front.

I keep going round and round about 'boxing in the frame, or at least some kind of re-enforcing. I don't plan on going rock crawling or anything - but I'm sure at some point I will do something stupid that is going to put a lot of stress on that original 1/2 ton frame.

Any recommendations on modifications I should make before the body goes back on? Is boxing in the frame worth all the time and effort?

thanks

-Andy

Pic before the old truck was torn down.

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4927/21jan02309.jpg

[Chevy1TonFun]

First, I think you got you axles labeled backwards. D60 Front and 14 Bolt Rear? I decided not to box my frame because frames are ment to flex within reason. I would vote NO if you are not planning on hard core mud bogging or off roading. Even then it is debatable if you need to box your frame.

[Fursphere]

I know its a D60 rear.. maybe its a Corp. 12 front? I can never remember.

The body - as huge as it is - will stiffen things up a bit anyway, I'm just wondering because now would be the time to do it. Once the body goes back on - I'm hoping to never remove it again.

The power steering section will need to be re-enforced I know. What do you think about the 454? No concerns about the frame twisting under load?

[Chevy1TonFun]

What do you plan on doing with it?

[Fursphere]

Cruiser / Tow Rig. The truck was originally my dads. He bought it when he was in high school back in the early 70s I think. Family outing vehicle - camping and what not.

I ride quads and dirt bikes and would like to get a small - medium sized toy hauler in the future. My '01 Silverado is only a 1/2 ton - and doesn't pull for crap. I'll probably be getting into a rock crawling jeep at some point too (at least I'd like too)

So it'll go offroad I'm sure at some point - but I don't plan on thrashing it. Love the truck too much to beat it up.

[b454rat]

The frames on those trucks are pretty thick, probly thicker than a 1 ton truck. Even with a 454, for what you want to do it will be fine. Reinforce around the steering box tho...

[qksilver]

any pix of the front suspension? curious on how you did the spring perches..........
thanks,
Steve

[Fursphere]

Sure! These were right after the work was done and before I blasted down and painted the frame.

The front springs on the truck are from a 76 3/4 ton chevy:
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/261/front4v.jpg
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/3761/front3q.jpg
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/1557/front2d.jpg
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/5387/front1x.jpg

The rear springs are from a 65 3/4 ton:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1889/rear1.jpg
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5048/rear2t.jpg

The reason for the difference was the shape of the rear part of the frame and how that relates to the Axel and shock mounts. I'll have to fabricate new radiator support mounts, and the steering gear interferes with the radiator i'm thinking about using, so I've got a little more work to do.

I am going to box in the steering gear area. The entire area was cut out, and the frame section from the donor truck was welded in to make the gear mount properly.

[Redcap]

Originally Posted by Fursphere

I know its a D60 rear.. maybe its a Corp. 12 front? I can never remember.

The body - as huge as it is - will stiffen things up a bit anyway, I'm just wondering because now would be the time to do it. Once the body goes back on - I'm hoping to never remove it again.

The power steering section will need to be re-enforced I know. What do you think about the 454? No concerns about the frame twisting under load?

Probably a Dana 44 or 10bolt front. Pictures of axles would help us ID them.

[1tonswb]

If it were me, I would box the front part of the frame all the way back to the t-case area and then every 12 inches after that. I have, on past trucks, bent a couple frames right after the front spring shackles and have ripped plenty of frames out at the steering area. That seems to be a week spot that I have found. But, those trucks were running very healthy big blocks and 44 boggers.

I doubt you will use your truck as hard as I have used mine but if you have the experience and tools then why not box a frame that is almost 45 years old.