Pre-cut pieces for boxing frame?

[k5xjfiles]

Does anyone on here or any vendors make pre-cut panels to box the frame on a 72 K5 frame. Stripping down a 72 and now would be the time to beef up the frame. Would really like to do from the rear of front springs to rear shackles.

[Zoomad75]

I've not heard of any company making pre-cut panels to box in the frame on any older chevy truck. I've followed some pretty heated debate on the pros/cons to boxing a frame on a GM 4wd solid axle truck. It was over on CK5.com. I really couldn't come away with a formed opinion either way as there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Personally, I think it's less needed on a K5 vs a pickup with separate cab/bed. The one chunk of tub that the K5 body is does keep the twisty nature of the frame somewhat in check. Look at any Pickup getting flexed and you'll see some serious mis-alignment between the box and the cab.

Would boxing a pickup frame keep it from twisting? No, but it would put a limit to it.

I think if you really want to stiffen up the frame of a K5, build a roll cage and tie the cage to the frame. That will add loads of rigidity and provide a safe place to be in if you did actually turn it on it's lid.

[k5xjfiles]

I agree with everything you said. Actually, I am going to make my K5 into a flatbed pickup. Ive already got a decent cab, and will probably have someone make me a full cage for the back end, tying it into the original body mounts.

[azsmokey]

Has anyone found out anything else about the boxing plates? I have the truck down to the frame and was toying with the idea of boxing the frame. I would rather get a pre-made kit than measure and cut my own.

[Zoomad75]

cardboard templates and a plasma cutter would be about as close to a kit as you would get.

[rgv72blazer]

X2 on the cardboard templates. That's what I did. I've heard of guys just using an angle grinder to cut the pieces out. I used a torch...but a plasma woulda been a lot nicer. I have a few good threads on boxing frames over on pirate & ck5 if you want me to share those with you. I boxed most of frame except for the ends of the frame, a bit around the motor mounts & front shackles. With the addition of the full cage, I think I'll have enough rigidity...but this is on a dedicated trail rig.

[BIG HEAD]

i boxed my frame. i made card board templets traced them on some 1/8 th plate. cut them out with a torch. i had to fit them with a grinder i would only advise doing it in the area were the front of the bed meets the back of the cab. this is were you get the most twist. there are alot of differences between the top and bottom of the frame to deal with

[milled]

Question, when boxing a frame would a segmented style of boxing work or should the welding be consistent? I'm going to have do the boxing thing for the cummings is a torque monster and I don't want to screw my frame up. The motor is 1100lbs dry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In my plans I was thinking a 8" plate every 6 inches?

[kdrodworks316]

<----------has a cnc plasma, could maybe whip out somthing for you.