Question for those with a pipe notch

[gopokes]

I am hoping to get some feedback from people who have used a pipe notch on their trucks. I have read a ton on the subject and know that it will weaken the frame in the rear, but I never plan on towing with my truck. I doubt I will ever even have much weight in the bed either. I have seen a bunch of different build threads showing people using this method, so I know it will work. I am just curious if the weakening of the frame will even matter much in my application. I am moving my gas tank to the rear behind the frame rails so that will add some weight back there. I am on a pretty tight budget and this would be an area I could save some cash, but I also don't want to risk safety for a couple bucks. Thanks in advance!
Donnie

[lolife99]

I have never done it myself,... but I think several on here have.
The key is to not make the notch too deep and to box the frame on the inside with plate steel.
Maybe some of the other members who have done this mod, will chime in.

[stefan]

I used a peice of 6 inch drill stem pipe that had a 1/4 wall,notch was three inches in the fram and boxed the rear and it worked great i honostly dont think it weakens the frame any more than using a bolt in kit.Thats how alot of old hot rodders i know have always done it,i think you will be fine.

[N2TRUX]

Here's what we did on my 77 the first time around. I never had any issues, but I didn't use it to tow either.