Swapping frames info

[72LB]

I'm still kicking myself for this, shoulda seen it. I bought this truck a couple days ago sort of a barn find that barely ran(it's been fighting me since). You'll see in the pics the front is about two inches off. I limped it home and was told it drove straight and I never felt anything wrong.

My question is about legality of swapping frames. It's a 72, is the frame stamped somewhere?

[terry b]

Is the core support not bolted down? The gaps don't look bad for the front end being that far out.

[72LB]

Yep it's bolted down. I pulled the drivers wheel and scraped away the crud on the frame. I found right behind the A arm there's a couple small wrinkles where someone attempted to straighten it in the past. Must have been hit in the drivers nose.

[kwmech]

Find a real frame shop. Post up a pic of the wrinkle if you can

[72LB]

I can tomorrow. It's right where the frame turns up to the A arm. The pass side in that area is smooth, drivers has wrinkles at the bottom and the side is wavy.

[72LB]

Originally Posted by kwmech

Find a real frame shop. Post up a pic of the wrinkle if you can

Best pic I could get my camera isn't real good. The pass side in that same area is smooth. I also noticed the pass wheel well has been bent to so it could fit next to the frame.

[kwmech]

Are you talking about the small flange wrinkle? If you are that's not a big deal, or will not cause the front to be out that much

[kwmech]

Give us a pic of the engine compartment looking down on that area

[72LB]

Both sides.

[kwmech]

I'm not seeing it, sure the body is square in its mounts

[demian5]

Shouldn't be a problem, bu the hassle and cost of installing a new frame, you may want to check and see how much to pull it on a frame machine.

The core support may have been loosened and the front end straightened out and then tightened back up...

But the bumper looks pretty damn spot on.

Wheel spacer on the drivers side and call it a day

[kwmech]

In front of the tire, measure from the frame rail to the fender.

[72LB]

Originally Posted by kwmech

In front of the tire, measure from the frame rail to the fender.

Did that it's just under 2" off. Also measured the cab and it sits square with the exception of one of the mounts bent up on the drivers side.

[kwmech]

I guess your next step is a frame and alignment shop. Anything out that far is going to need a frame rack

[72LB]

I just got a name of a good shop here in town, once I get it running again I'll take it to him.

Originally Posted by demian5

But the bumper looks pretty damn spot on.

That throws me also cause the bumper is square.

[terry b]

I really think a frame machine can pull that straight. I took a hit on the passenger side of my truck. Paid a local frame man 300.00. It's good as new.

[72LB]

Now that I have the name of a good shop I'm going to take it to them as soon as I get it running and more roadworthy.

[terry b]

Shur hope you can make it straight. Your frame look's mighty clean and rust free.

[72LB]

I hope so, frame wise it's decent for it's age.

[kwmech]

Did you check their reviews?

[72LB]

Originally Posted by kwmech

Did you check their reviews?

Yes, highly recommended.