Frame straightening
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,661
Likes: 23
Frame straightening
I'm looking for an easy way to check the straightness of my frame. If it's off it will only be very subtle. I don't want to take it in anywhere, I had planned on just measuring in a couple ways but I figured I'd ask in case someone had a good way to go about it, as I've never needed to before.
I had thought it was just the bed I had on it, seeing as it was beat up, but I'd like to check to be certain it's not the frame before I really start my build. If you look at the back of the bed the tailgate is angled a bit and not parallel to the lines on the cab's back. It's only about a half inch difference and something I figured was a problem with the bed, but it's best to actually know, lol.
The only reason I even considered the frame being a little off was that the front bumper has a twist in it. Keep in mind it's an F600 bumper and a good 1/4" thick a lot bigger than an F100's bumper. This thing use to have 5,000#s on the back of it, so I figure the force was there to be able to possibly twist things. It's by no means a huge issue, just one I thought I needed to work out before I tore into it and did all that work.
Thanks
I had thought it was just the bed I had on it, seeing as it was beat up, but I'd like to check to be certain it's not the frame before I really start my build. If you look at the back of the bed the tailgate is angled a bit and not parallel to the lines on the cab's back. It's only about a half inch difference and something I figured was a problem with the bed, but it's best to actually know, lol.
The only reason I even considered the frame being a little off was that the front bumper has a twist in it. Keep in mind it's an F600 bumper and a good 1/4" thick a lot bigger than an F100's bumper. This thing use to have 5,000#s on the back of it, so I figure the force was there to be able to possibly twist things. It's by no means a huge issue, just one I thought I needed to work out before I tore into it and did all that work.
Thanks
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
I can only say that you measure diagonally from even points on both sides to figure out squareness, short of using a tram gauge or centerline gauges (chassis-liner).
Instead, I'll give you a pic from the IH KB models book:
Instead, I'll give you a pic from the IH KB models book:
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
To measure for "square" use the corner to corner method - Use known points (Rivet, hole bracket) that are the same on both sides - On these vehicles a 1/4 inch is absolute perfect.
The "Twist or level" is a little more complicated as you have to start with a level floor or deck - once that is established you again measure from know points to the floor or deck - It is best to do this with the wheels off the vehicle and the frame sitting on blocks of a known and equal height - Bottle jacks work best as the can be adjusted easier
The "Twist or level" is a little more complicated as you have to start with a level floor or deck - once that is established you again measure from know points to the floor or deck - It is best to do this with the wheels off the vehicle and the frame sitting on blocks of a known and equal height - Bottle jacks work best as the can be adjusted easier
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
Why didn't you get that up before I stated my epic spill
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,661
Likes: 23
Thanks, that will come in handy. hopefully it's just the bed, it doesn't sit flat on the frame by the looks of it. Ironically the bed is in a lot worse condition than the rest of the truck thats decades older, lol. Just thought I'd be certain on what the problem was.
Thanks again
Thanks again
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