Boxing frame,? Or tube crosses,?

[YahamaR1]

Hi, need some advice..
What is better, boxing the frame or make some tube crosses,?
What will be stronger?
I got a 51" truck with a 454 BB

[dwcsr]

For a Big Block I'd box it and Make at least one X tube near the transmission

[MARTINSR]

What do you plan on doing with the truck, running slicks and drag racing it or just driving a hot rod truck? Personally, boxing that frame is a SERIOUS over kill. Doing much of anything to a driver is as well. This isn't a Model A frame, it's pretty darn strong I see no reason to do anything unless the stock crossmembers have been cut out of it or something.

Brian

[hotrod1]

Stock frame that is nothing more than stock is as strong as a wet noodle. Good for flexible farm work but not enough to transfer all the power to the ground if you are looking for performance.

[MARTINSR]

Like I said, what are the expectations of the owner? It's like the IFS and Disc brake question, what are the expectations of the owner? I have personally never saw one in my life that anyone ever complained about the frame flexing, ever. I personally think it's a serious overkill. I haven't had no monster motor but I ran a 401 Buick that ran mid 14's in the quarter at 95 miles an hour that hooked up killer being the motor was mid engine, I never even thought of it. What are the expectations of the owner?

Brian

[YahamaR1]

Well, I going to drive it as a normal hotrod, just driving a few days a year.
Not going to the track,or dragraces.
The frame is stock, with a frontend from scotts hotrods.
I was thinking to box it, but now I was thinking will it be enough if I make some tube crosses in my chassis, that will be strong also..

[MARTINSR]

It wouldn't cross my mind for a milisecond to box the frame or much of anything else as far as frame rigidity for twist. I know mine wasn't a super power house but that Buick has I believe about the same torque (445) and I use to hook up with zero wheel spin launching me ahead of much faster cars, having them at an eighth mile easily.
And drove it every day, and regularly dragged it at the strip, never did I have one single problem. And this was a show quality lacquer paint truck. I'm sorry, I don't see a need to worry about it in the least.

Like I said, a few years earlier, yes some boxing or reinforcement is needed but by time the AD came along that frame is PLENTY strong to do what you want to do with it.

Would you put a roll cage in it too? No because you don't plan on driving it in a way you would need it. How about a scatter shield or a trans blanket for when it blows? 5 point harness? No, because you aren't going to drive it in such a way to need that.

Keep going on it and get it on the road with your smiling face behind the wheel, that's my suggestion. No offense to anyone else for their opinions please.

Brian

[_Ogre]

both.

i boxed the frame for aesthetics and rigidity, the cross support reinforces the trans, frame and cab mounts,
replaces the big x-member that needs to be cut out that used to support the motor, cab and frame
i also welded the 2 factory x-members solid, rivets move and flex
also welded in a 1.5x4 x-member across the rear of the frame





only pic i could find of the rear 1.5x4 x-member

[OrrieG]

I did not even think about boxing mine either, because I need the frame to flex as it was designed when I go off-road. I'm with Martin, unless you need it rigid and want to put up with the potential stiff ride that goes with that no real reason to box it. The Scotts front set up should take in to consideration any loads from the engine. Also makes running plumbing and electrical fun.

[YahamaR1]

Thank you all for the info, I think I will make some tube X crossing near the rear end and drivetrain.
So it will be a little bit stronger, instead of doing nothing to the chassis..