Boxed frame questions

[496 BB]

Anyone box a 1 ton frame? Did it make a big difference? Im sick of this tiny frame. I need something stronger. Was thinking about boxing this one in but not sure what route Im gonna go. What all does not line up when switching to a 1 ton frame from same year? Are they much bigger?

[76stepsidechevy]

I think the 1 ton is taller probably thicker also. I wouldn't box it if you drive the truck in the winter or off road at all.

[Dalaigh]

I boxed my 3/4ton frame, it made it alot stronger. Theres no need to go to the 1 ton frame if you are thinking of boxing it.

[496 BB]

Its mainly for plowing. Just little **** has happened within the last year that has me questioning the strength on this frame. Last year a guy hit the rear passenger side of my bumper and it tweaked the frame to where it sits lower on that side and moved the bed gaps. Hell the bed even slapped the cab and this was a LOW impact incident. Then last weekend I was trying to help out a stuck truck and was tugging but not ripping on it by any means. Bends the living hell outta my bumper and brackets...which I can understand since I was the stupid one for not checking where he hooked up the chain. Either way I just want strong. My HD is unreal strong and Ive had ALOT of weight behind that towing and have towed dump trucks out of mud and semis out of mud while on pavement. Never an issue. I know I will never get to that strength but I want to get close as I can.

My issue now is I have to have this frame bent back into shape and that around here is going to be around $800-$1000 when I went to local frame shop...they do great work. Then boxing on top of that. If I get another frame Id be worried it is also bent since these things are as weak as a Kia. Plus my frame is in PERFECT condition as far as rust and its even painted with what looks like a gloss black protectant.

[496 BB]

Originally Posted by Dalaigh

I boxed my 3/4ton frame, it made it alot stronger. Theres no need to go to the 1 ton frame if you are thinking of boxing it.

You got any pics? You do full length or sections? You make cross members tubular and add more?

[Dalaigh]

I don't have pics but I can get some tomorrow, if I have time. I added some cross members and modified some, and boxed around others. Used C channel, it's heavy duty, wouldn't doubt it if my frame is stonger then some newer 1 tons.

[67_SS396]

We boxed the frame of a 3/4 ton last year when we built this crawler. Used 3/16"plate plate and also shortened the wheelbase to 125".




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[85sierraclassic]

http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?rout...product_id=173

might see if they can add to the short box kit to make it a long box kit.

[496 BB]

What if I just did it in sections where its the most prone to torsional flex? Where are those sections at on these frames? Has anyone ever bought a used frame and it be bent also? Trying to figure out what route I want to go.

Whats the weakest sections?

[vin63]

Originally Posted by 496 BB

What if I just did it in sections where its the most prone to torsional flex? Where are those sections at on these frames? Has anyone ever bought a used frame and it be bent also? Trying to figure out what route I want to go.

Whats the weakest sections?

This is what I did to my '63 frame since my engine makes right around 600 ft-lbs of torque, and I plan on going with a 250 shot of nitrous at the track. I boxed the frame from the engine mount crossmember to over the reared housing location. My recommendation if you do box the frame is to carefully trace the contours to closely fit the plates inside of the C-channel. I also preheated sections and TIG welded about 2 inches at a time, alternating locations on the frame to minimize warp and brittleness.