1971 C10 Frame Twist - Just Accept????

[customfab4x4]

Hey Guys,

So I'm starting our budget rebuilt with my two boys of 9 and 11 years old. Following in the footsteps of my brother and father back in the day except we worked on original Datsun Zs.

Anyway, we have the frame stripped from the cab back. I'm adding a 9.76" rear end from a 2020 Yukon and doing a 5" drop with a custom fabricated coil and air bag setup along with a 4L60E.

Thing is, the frame is definitely OFF. I didn't notice it until we had the body off and I was boxing in the rear of the frame.

It basically has a "S" shape twist in it. Here are some measurements:
1) Directly behind cab
Pass Side = 18-1/2"
Driver Side = 18-1/4"
Up on Pass Side by 1/4"

2) Main Xmember w/ Upper Shock Mounts
Pass Side = 25-3/8"
Driver Side = 25"
Up on Pass Side by 3/8"

3) Rear of Frame (boxed in)
Pass Side = 27-3/8"
Drive Side = 27-1/2"
Up on Drive Side by 1/8"

My OCD is driving me CRAZY! My goal has been to make this a budget build and not get to crazy with my desire for perfection. She's just gonna be a weekend drive around town truck.

Thoughts? This is my first C10 build so not exactly sure just how "good" enough is regarding a tweaked frame.

Thanks!!!

[RustyPile]

Do you have the frame setting on a straight and level frame table/jig?? If you're measuring from a concrete floor, the difference in your measurements could be due to unevenness in the floor.

[PbFut]

If the body panel and wheel alignment are acceptable, what's the point. Its a weekend cruiser, not a ALMS racer. I do it to. Spend a week and a few hundred on parts and supplies for something no one will see and won't affect ride quality one bit. Just move on.

[LS short box]

Might be worth dragging down to local body shop with a frame rack and have them check it out and the straighten it out before you box the frame. Once you box the frame the twist will become permanent.

[Casper42]

Originally Posted by LS short box

Might be worth dragging down to local body shop with a frame rack and have them check it out and the straighten it out before you box the frame. Once you box the frame the twist will become permanent.

AGREED. I suspect most of these trucks have something a bit off on the frame, as they are old and most had a lot of use. At this stage, I don't think it's any issue whatsover. Nearly all body shops will be able to get it back to better than new and will be well worth the effort and cost getting it done correctly, now.

[customfab4x4]

Thanks for the input. I'm tempted to just go with the flow on this. Huge PITA to trailer it out to a body shop and put me in a massive delay.

So guess I'm going to ignore that little voice in my head that is striving for perfection.

I will probably adjust the bed with spacers so it sits pretty close to level.

And correct on my concrete floor....it certainly isn't perfect but I have taken that into account.

[LS short box]

Just a thought if you aren't going to the body shop.
Do you know which way the frame is twisted? Could jack the frame up from one end to reduce the twist and then do the boxing?

[MARKDTN]

I'm gonna say fix it now. A bare frame should be a lot less $ to set up and pull than a complete vehicle. If you don't fix it now it might come back to bite you. My .02

[wpsharpshooter]

Id be willing to bet that there are several frames on this board "tweaked" just a little... The difference here is YOU know yours is.. can you live with it? lol

[54blackhornet]

Unless you fix it now your OCD will be playing with your brain each and every night.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I'm with the above, fix it right. Delays are to be expected.