Question About Rolled Steel Spacer on 1983 GMC C1500 Frame - Need Advice!

[balljp]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the process of painting the frame of my 1983 GMC C1500 2-Door Pickup (Fleet Side) Series C107(03). I decided to remove the 14041285 braces, which were riveted to the frame, in order to address some rust on the underside of the 14042339 Rear Spring Front Hangar Cross Member.

On the driver's side, there is a rolled steel spacer (or sleeve?) between the brace and the cross member, held captive by tangs on either end of the part. Interestingly, this part is absent on the passenger's side. I'm curious about its function and whether it should be present on both sides. It doesn't appear to be listed in any GM parts catalogs or service manuals. Please refer to the attached photo.


Thank you,

Joe

[kwmech]

Been a while, but don't recall seeing anything like what you're describing, what about an actual picture and placement on your frame? Bolt pass through it?

[Keith Seymore]

Is it in line with a pickup box bolt hole?

Some of the box bolts went through both flanges of the frame rail, particularly if the exhaust would have made access to the nut more difficult if the bolt was short.

Not necessarily used on both sides, either (especially during the era when there would have been only a single exhaust pipe).

K

[KQQL IT]

My 73 had one.
The 84 bed I got for it had 2 long bolts in the floor. I'd suppose it was for that.
Ended up taking it out of my 73

[balljp]

Thanks guys!

You're absolutely right, it is a sleeve for one of the long bolts that mount the box to the frame. I saw a similar post on a different forum and it sounds like there may be only one. It's strange that both of the bolts don't have the same sleeve... and I still can't find any reference to it in the manuals.

kwmech, I uploaded a picture (not from my truck).

Thank you,

Joe

[Getter-Done]

You can order some DOM tube and make your own if you choose too.

Link: https://www.mcmaster.com/products/do...ndrel)-tubing/