Just started to work on the mounting of the running boards and in measuring up I noticed that there was a significant difference from side to side. After a lot of double checking I think I can see the problem, it looks like the front cab mounts are at different heights at the cab mounting points.

They are about 5/8" different :-(.

I am considering if I can make up the difference by packing the low side, but I have a feeling that the lower side is the correct one.

Could someone please confirm for me if the cab mounts are/should be level with the chassis top rail?

I have a feeling this is related to the damage done to the truck some time ago and am now worried about serious frame damage/twisting.

Thanks
Lee

 

Howdy Lee. I'm over in Fareham with a 56 if you want to take any measurements. I think mine is straight! I have the cab on but the running boards off.

 

Ahh, looks like I need to update my profile..

Thanks Normalbloke for the offer. Unfortunately, I now live out in Carnation WA (close to Seattle).

Cheers anyway and nice to see a fellow Effie enthusiast in my old neighborhood.

Lee

 

you can see what I mean in the images here:

http://sdrv.ms/1dg5Kw

http://sdrv.ms/1a0Xnq

The measure is the same length, just moved between sides, the chassis is level on jack stands.

 

Has the cross member been removed?

 

The chassis may be level but the floor may not be. It looks from the photos like you cold lay a straightedge across the top of both frame rails then measure from the straightedge down to the mounts. In this way you will be sure how the mounts line up with the frame. Looks like they were meant to be level with the top of the frame.

 

I am pretty sure mine are each tipped down some, but I think they are supposed to be level.

Have you placed a straightedge across them and measured up??

 

Or clamp one to the bottom of the rails and measure up.....

 

Thanks Rimrock, Clintonvillian,

I would need to take the motor/trans out to get a straight edge across the rails although I could probably come off of the bottom edge with some 4x2 packing pieces. I will try that, but seeing how far the cab is different from side to side I am pretty sure its out.

Original cross member no longer there as now has independent front suspension (Fatman kit).

Cheers
Lee

 

While you are there check the rear mounts as well, if one them are out it will also tip the cab as well....

 

The original crossmember tied in the bell housing mounts, the front springs rear shackles and provided strength for the front cab mounts. With the removal of this crossmember you may have frame spread at the front cab mounts.

 

Thanks bjmayberry2,

I did a lot more measuring and checking yesterday and I think I have more frame damage than initially thought. I don't think that the chassis rails spread as I do have a welded cross member for the front FatMan Suspension.

I think I am going to get a local Body shop with Frame jig to check it over for me, just measuring from the concrete floor is not the best way to do this.

Best case scenario is its just the cab mount that needs a bit of a tweak, worst case scenario (what I think is the case) the drivers side frame rail has somehow been bent upwards in the middle of the chassis. So with the front and rear end of the chassis on Jack stands and leveled, the middle of the drivers side rail is higher than the passenger side. That's what it looks like to me by using a spirit level.

I have no idea how this was done other than maybe when the vehicle was dropped it came down on something on that side thus tweaking the rail up?

It must have been quite some force though as the chassis rails are completely boxed too. I guess I should have had the truck inspected much more thoroughly at the time the damage was done, but I thought most of the shock had been taken out by the front shock mounts and bottom suspension arms which were bent out of shape.

oh well, the never ending story..

 

Don't give up yet. Strange the frame bent with it being boxed. I had a guy smack my 56 in the front end while my truck was parked. Tore his car up bad and tore up my bumper, grill, gravel pan, radiator support, and inner & outer drivers fenders. But the Frame horn and frame are still good. Oh and my frame isn't boxed.
[IMG][/IMG]

 

Yes, I think it was just the way the damage was done. I am sure it would have been fine in a head on impact. As I shipped the truck over to the US in a non drivable state I suspect that it was picked up (probably by a forklift and then dropped straight back to the ground with no suspension, I had braised in steel rods where the Airbags/Shocks should be to enable it to be rolled up off the ground. I just wasn't counting on rolling it being too much work and the dockworkers picking it up and dropping it again.

I shudder to think what they would do with say a priceless Ferrari non roller in need of restoration.

 

It may not have been dropped but who ever welded in the box plates may have created too much heat that pulled it out of whack. Maybe, just maybe.