wavy frame rail ends...

[rogergodding]

Anyone have this and fixed it? My truck has obviously been in front and rear end collisions... the ends of the rails are a little wavy... resulting in the front bumper not being level.... more importantly though, I just bought a boat and a class 3 hitch receiver and I can't get the holes to line up because of the frame rails....

[litew8]

Not sure about the rear, but I had one up front and we took it off and smacked the hell out of it to bend back. I'm not sure what you mean by 'rails'. Are you talking about the two (front) bars the bumper attaches to?

[rogergodding]

I will get some pics up to clarify.... thought I'd posted some before, can't find them....

[rogergodding]

this is the passenger side view of the rear end of the frame....

[litew8]

Dang, that looks difficult. Maybe heat it up bright red and try smacking it straight? (without the hitch on of course)

[rogergodding]

thought of that too.... guess I need to get a propane torch...

[litew8]

Got any pics of the front? Careful of that (what looks to be) gas tank back there.

[305a]

I have spent 25 years doing frame repair and that is an easy repair, One method is to use a large hammer (small sledge) as a dolly and the use a 2 pound hammer to bend the high spots. If you don't like that use a heavy 3/8 or heavier plate on the top and a large c-clamp to squeeze it back flat. Use heat as a last resort. Good luck

[litew8]

All I know is - it's some tough steel to bend.

[rogergodding]

So far I have the passenger side relatively straight. Home Depot had some 3/16" steel. I cut it into 4 pieces and used the existing holes in the bumper, and some 3/8" hardware.... and a C clamp... have to drill one hole for the hitch and that may help get it all the way....

[rogergodding]

I'll get a pic of the front... hopefully this will work for it too...