Frame Z question

[wannagettachevy]

Im doing my research and getting closer to the day I cut my frame, aka Z day. Anyways, itll be my first time doing one and im just looking for advice from others who have successfully z'd there way to the pavement.

my question is after the lines are drawn on the frame, and cuts made, what is the best way to re align the two seperate parts of frame? im thinking of making a little jig table to weld under the crossmember with some adjustable feet keeping it all level and square. any thoughts? thanks in advance guys.

[nhtc33d]

When i did mine i used a stand sorta like jackstands but have unlimited height adjustments. Level and square are important! Good luck with your project!

[wannagettachevy]

thanks! i think im gonna stick with building the table. something small to fit just under the x member, ill put some bolts on the feet and weld the member to the table. then once the cut is made just adjust the feet up 3" and realign.

[andrewmp6]

Have you looked in to a dropmember tho?Its not cheap but will do the same job as zing the frame.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

Have you looked in to a dropmember tho?Its not cheap but will do the same job as zing the frame.

It also improves the suspension geometry & steering.

[wannagettachevy]

Of COURSE! those things are truly works of art. i know it would be a good idea, but thats not really gonna fit the theme nor the wallet. Im doing every bit of this build myself.

[RAYDAY]

GET THE TRUCK ON STANDS not just front! level it out side to side. measure 10 times mark it out real well make dam sure cuts are parallel and exact same left and right frame rails. move it up relevel part u cut out weld back together box it in plate over cut(fish plates). if it was all level before u cut it and after u raise it it good to go really.

[wannagettachevy]

Hey guys, so its been a while since ive visited. Long story short, the frame seems to be very bent in front of the cab. So my question is what is a good donor front end? I figured ill just take the frame and entire front end, including drive train from a nice running v8 truck (possibly a big block :] ). Does anyone know if an 80's suburban frame is the same width as mine? That would be ideal because of how cheap they are and i can just splice the 'burb front frame onto mine while Z'ing.


Thanks in Advance oh wise Chevy friends

[N2TRUX]

Sorry, but I have no idea what your working on. Help us help you.

[wannagettachevy]

sorry brothers, i have a swb 66 c10 stepside with an inline 6 and manual 4spd tranny.

[SCOTI]

The frames are basically the same through 87 (through 91 for suburbans & crew-cabs). Of course the front frame rail portion will be different but the main suspension x-member is interchangeable from 63-87(91).

[wannagettachevy]

ok great! Thanks, that helps me out alot. And im assuming the x-member and suspension components for for the 3/4 ton trucks are interchangeable with the 1/2 ton trucks as well? lca's, uca's, spindles? And suburban components as well?

As always, thanks in advance.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by wannagettachevy

ok great! Thanks, that helps me out alot. And im assuming the x-member and suspension components for for the 3/4 ton trucks are interchangeable with the 1/2 ton trucks as well? lca's, uca's, spindles? And suburban components as well?

As always, thanks in advance.

Yes. X-members interchange & A-arms interchange. Steering & spindles are regulated to capacity & bolt pattern desired.

[gringoloco]

To add to Scot's post: though possible to mix and match, it is best to get all parts from the same donor, as balljoint and tie-rod tapers, as well as control arms change per model year and load capacity...