Front Bumper Alignment

[tex_waco_usmc]

So I mounted the front bumper and ran across the following problem.





Where the bumper wraps around the fenders I have a 2" gap on the Pass side and 1" gap on the Drivers side. I loosened all the bolts and moved the bumper as far as I could (which wasnt much).

Now knowing that I just mounted this front clip and cab on this frame in a hurry; what are the chances I have the body misaligned (rotated toward the drivers side about 1/2")???

Any ideas on how to correct this????

[tex_waco_usmc]

Dang I posted this in the wrong forum! Sorry guys, can a moderator please move this to the 73-87 forum?

[frog210]

I have the same problem man, I put a 81-87 front clip, on my 74 and used the stock bumper, I couldn't really move it either, checked everthing 2 everything is straight
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[Keith Seymore]

It's a common problem.

Because the regular cab is so short, it can get set on the frame cockeyed.

The hood mounts to the front of the cab so it goes shooting off in that direction; then, when it's time to fit the fenders to the hood they (along with the radiator support) get pushed off to that side as well.

Blazers, Suburbans and crews are definitely less susceptible to this because the longer cab helps align it with the frame better.

I'd probably slot the holes in the frame/bumper brackets and try scooting the bumper (let the outboard brackets go along for the ride), rather than resetting the cab and readjusting the front end sheet metal.

K

[tex_waco_usmc]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

It's a common problem.

Because the regular cab is so short, it can get set on the frame cockeyed.

The hood mounts to the front of the cab so it goes shooting off in that direction; then, when it's time to fit the fenders to the hood they (along with the radiator support) get pushed off to that side as well.

Blazers, Suburbans and crews are definitely less susceptible to this because the longer cab helps align it with the frame better.

I'd probably slot the holes in the frame/bumper brackets and try scooting the bumper, rather than resetting the cab and readjusting the front end sheet metal.

K

Im thinking that resetting the body really wouldnt be that difficult with a couple people to help out. Couldnt you just loosen all of the mounting bolts in the front clip and cab and gently "rock" the body back into place?

[Keith Seymore]

Yes - you could try it.

K

[tex_waco_usmc]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Yes - you could try it.

K

Keith,

I am going to attempt this when I get some help! I will take pics along the way and show how we got her to line back up.

I know, I know its like my dad said "Isnt that like holding the tail and wagging the dog? Moving the body to align to the bumper doesnt make sense!"

But, I know that chances are I got the body offline when I put it back on because the bumper can only be adjusted left and right so far and it sat straight on the truck prior to the body flop.

Thought about taking her to a professional body shop and pay them to straighten her out and make sure everything aligns right, but I really hate giving my hard earned money away when I can figure it out on my own with the cost of a case of cold ones!

[Jonboy]

On the brighter side, you know the bolts aren't seized. There are only 6 bolts that need to come loose, it's worth a shot.

[Rich84]

Could the cab really be on an inch out of square??
I have this same issue..Never even thought of adjusting the whole body. Bolts are all new shouldn't really be too much trouble.

Please post your results..

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Rich84

Could the cab really be on an inch out of square??

Not so much on the cab, but keep in mind the error is amplified the farther forward you go.

So - a little bit at the cab means quite a bit by the time you get to the bumper.

K

[Rich84]

Jeez...What a lousy carpenter I am..lol.