Rear bumper installation and sag question

[JRHernandez88]

Whats up guys I just bought my first truck and am about to start restoring it. I took a few pics for ya'l to help me out because i'm about to buy a rear bumper for it and wanted to know if all i need is the mounting brackets and the bumper. It looks like it was cut before so i need to know exactly what i'm gona need.

Also my bed sags on the rear of the driver side. The front of the bed looks straight its just the driver side rear corner. Has this happened to any of your trucks if so what was it? I was just curious and thought I might as well ask before i start getting into it. Any help is appreciated thanks.

[JRHernandez88]

anyone got any tips?

[OldCreek]

Your frames been cut from a long bed to a short bed. It looks like from the first picture that the frame is bent, also.

You may need to remove the bed to get a better look at the frame. Do the coil or leaf springs look the same on each side? Same size tires?

[72peace]

Would this fall into the category of "Who's bought a truck and then found..."?

Cheers and good luck with that,

[m6z]

There's going to be some fabrication involved to put a bumper back there. Good luck. I'd take the bed off and see how they shortened the wheelbase.

[rsavage]

I'm not sure that your frame has been shortened - it may have just had some notches cut out of the ends. Ask someone with a short step to post some pictures. If it is a longbed frame, the sectioning is done most normally behind the cab. Take a look to see if you can see the cuts and welds if it has been done. It appears that there is a spacer between the frame and bed on the back mount on one side and not on the other side in your photos. If that is the case, the corner with the spacer will obviously be higher. Join the board and post a wtb ad for a set of used stepside sport bumper brackets. I am sure that you can get them bolted/welded on. It will be easier for correct placement if they are bolted to the bumper you are going to use.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by rsavage

I'm not sure that your frame has been shortened - it may have just had some notches cut out of the ends. Ask someone with a short step to post some pictures. If it is a longbed frame, the sectioning is done most normally behind the cab. Take a look to see if you can see the cuts and welds if it has been done. It appears that there is a spacer between the frame and bed on the back mount on one side and not on the other side in your photos. If that is the case, the corner with the spacer will obviously be higher. Join the board and post a wtb ad for a set of used stepside sport bumper brackets. I am sure that you can get them bolted/welded on. It will be easier for correct placement if they are bolted to the bumper you are going to use.

To shorten a long bed frame you take 12" out of the middle but you also take 8" off of the back of the frame rails.... So they cut the notch then just torched off the part that stuck out beyond the bed.

LockDoc

[JRHernandez88]

Doesn't sound too good gona have to check it out afterwork. Does anyone got any pictures of what other part of the frame is cut to shorten it? Also if it is cut what kind of problems does that cause.

[rsavage]

Leon's right. I had forgot the 8" that is usually cut off the back in addition to the 12" off the wheel base up behind the cab.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by JRHernandez88

Doesn't sound too good gona have to check it out afterwork. Does anyone got any pictures of what other part of the frame is cut to shorten it? Also if it is cut what kind of problems does that cause.

There are at least 3 different ways to cut a frame. Straight, 45º, and step cut. I step cut mine because I think it is the strongest, 45º is next, and straight is the least desirable. This is my opinion and doesn't necessarily agree with the views of other people on the board.... No matter which is used there should be a plate welded on the inside of the frame over the cut, so it should be easy to find. It should be towards the back of the cab. If done correctly and welded by a competent welder there should be no problem with a cut frame... This again is my opinion.

LockDoc

[JRHernandez88]

Thanks for the heads up I appreciate it fellas. Now just time to get this bumper put on.

[JRHernandez88]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

There are at least 3 different ways to cut a frame. Straight, 45º, and step cut. I step cut mine because I think it is the strongest, 45º is next, and straight is the least desirable. This is my opinion and doesn't necessarily agree with the views of other people on the board.... No matter which is used there should be a plate welded on the inside of the frame over the cut, so it should be easy to find. It should be towards the back of the cab. If done correctly and welded by a competent welder there should be no problem with a cut frame... This again is my opinion.

LockDoc

I took a look after work and I did see the cut. Im gona have to get it on jacks and in the light to see what type of cut they did. Thanks for the info man gona check it out soon.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by JRHernandez88

I took a look after work and I did see the cut. Im gona have to get it on jacks and in the light to see what type of cut they did. Thanks for the info man gona check it out soon.

No problem. I hope you find a satisfactory modification... Any more questions ask 'em up...

LockDoc

[JRHernandez88]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

No problem. I hope you find a satisfactory modification... Any more questions ask 'em up...

LockDoc

ok then out of curiosity how did you put your bumper on? got any pics or tips?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by JRHernandez88

ok then out of curiosity how did you put your bumper on? got any pics or tips?

I haven't put mine on yet. The frame I shortened is under my '70 and it's on the back burner at this time.... I would just find a shortbed and measure it or have someone measure the hole location on theirs and post it up.

LockDoc

[57larry]

Originally Posted by JRHernandez88

anyone got any tips?

always park on a side of a hill

[OldCreek]

I guess you could always shim "up" the low sides of the bed and the cab...