1 ton frame thickness

[big_r101]

What is the frame thickness for a mid 80's k30? I ask because i plan on boxing the frame and i believe somewhere it said it was around 1/4". I just want to order the right thickness of metal so its as close as possible

[Your41Plague12]

It is .224" thick, so pretty close to 1/4" steel. That's what I would use.

[big_r101]

Thats what i thought i had planned on using a26 structural plate steel to box it

[Your41Plague12]

That should do the trick! Any pics of the project?

[big_r101]

No pics yet, havent had time, but i also have a question about mounting a b&w gooseneck hitch with the fully boxed frame, how would i go about this?

[1968vetL-71]

Just curious why you need to box a 1 ton frame? Even with a cummins swap that would be extremely rigid and overkill. Some flex is a good thing. There are tons of cummins swaps even in 1/2 ton frames and there are no problems whatsoever. Not critiquing, just curious why to go through all the work.

[big_r101]

I still havent decided if i will box the whole frame or just part (the front most likely due to the frame cracking issue) but i mainly want to cause of heavy hauling.

[big_r101]

And the cummins im going to put in is gonna be around 400hp and around 1000 ft-lbs of torque.

[Your41Plague12]

1000 ft lbs of torque will definitely be enough of a reason to box the frame. I strongly suggest doing it. It might be overkill, but I'd measure twice and cut once when it comes to something as structural as the frame of your truck.

[Car'n'Guitars]

Would like to see pics of project when started, I plan on doing the same sometime in the near future.

[big_r101]

I personally dont think its overkill, i mean they did it for the 2011+ silverado hd's for increased payload, plus it gives me an excuse to get a shiny new miller mig welder.

[1968vetL-71]

well if its a reason for a new shop addition... then do it! Im all for fabrication and building stuff, i've just seen several cummins projects on other forums that did the same thing your wanting to do and the end result was not what they were hoping for. These old 1 tons can take some serious abuse and have been ran through the ringer on a daily basis for over 40 yrs.. remember when drivetrains and mounts get rigid and stiff... its vibrations and carnage. more times than most, there are far more weaker components than the frame. Thats the beauty of this forum tho.. its different strokes for different folks. thats what were all here for is to share, learn and build from experience. can't wait too see a build thread. good luck!!

[big_r101]

Hopefully it will turn out well, im gonna try my best to get the most premium components i can buy, try not to make to rigid, i would imagine a more flexible suspension could help with that? Cause i was thinkin 3" wide leafs and air bags.

[Car'n'Guitars]

Do you already have a truck or are you searching?

[big_r101]

Searching, but im trying to get everything planned out beforehand so i get it done as fast as possible.