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10-13-2009, 08:38 AM | #1 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Shortened LWB for towing?
Would you consider a shortened LWB truck to be safe enough for towing purposes?
With all the shortening going on I have often wondered what everyone's feelings were towards how safe this setup would be. I know some can lay thick welds but would it be enough? Would a backing plate (fish plate) be strong enough to compensate? What are you feelings?
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-Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
10-13-2009, 08:45 AM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR
Posts: 5,415
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Re: Shortened LWB for towing?
Why not if done correct. Large trucks get shortened and lengthend all the time, of course they are straight frames Just depends on if its done right. you just have a liitle truck so you pull a little trailerThe problem with shortening a small truck is that people just cut them in half in one spot and weld them back and say thats fine. add a plate , weld it up and go for it. Granted shortening one is less of a problem then making one longer. I doubt if anyone here ever ran any stress calculations on it to see for sure. If you really need to know give us the dimensions on the reinforcing plate and or a dwg and we can run the calcs.
Last edited by mbgmike; 10-13-2009 at 09:04 AM. |
10-13-2009, 08:59 AM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fort Walton Beach, FL
Posts: 257
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Re: Shortened LWB for towing?
If welded properly by someone that knows what they are doing the welded portion with be stonger then the frame itself was before. I would not attempt this with out being a decent welder and having the proper welder.
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68 lwb to swb Cummins swap in the works. I promise it will be cool someday. |
10-13-2009, 09:06 AM | #4 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,728
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Re: Shortened LWB for towing?
Depends on what you are towing, and there's more to it than being stout enough -- a shorter wheelbase will tend to be less stable with a larger load in tow. I knew a guy who had a very nice Bill Stroppe-prepared early Bronco that he used to tow a thirty-some foot single wide trailer. The Bronco had plenty of power and little squat but it was a constant battle with the steering wheel of that short-coupled rig, and that was when the 55 mph NMSL was in effect. Like mbgmike said, keep the trailer small and you'll be fine.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
10-13-2009, 10:01 AM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Oroville, CA
Posts: 4,827
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Re: Shortened LWB for towing?
A proper weld will be as strong as the existing frame and when you add a fish plate it will be stronger. I would not hesitate to shorten your frame.
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10-13-2009, 10:19 AM | #6 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 2,436
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Re: Shortened LWB for towing?
I myself will not tow anything of any weight with a short bed truck, they are too unstable to me, but I have the option of using a lwb duallie.
My son on the other hand tows trucks on a trailer with his swb '67 but at times it is a little scary. He is going to build a lwb shop truck for that purpose. A shortened swb truck's frame will be strong enough if it is done properly. In the old days we use to box frames to make them stronger. Danny
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'67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E. |
10-13-2009, 09:57 PM | #7 |
The Older Generation
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,818
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Re: Shortened LWB for towing?
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I am in the process of switching the sheet metal from a '67 3/4 ton to a '69 1/2 ton frame. I had planned to shorten the 1/2 ton frame until I bought a 20' tilt bed trailer, now I'm going to leave it a long bed. I don't think I want to pull my 20' trailer with a short bed truck. I'm sure there are people who do but I will need more room to haul parts anyway... LockDoc
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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