Boxing the Frame?
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Boxing the Frame?
Hello Everyone,
As I prepare to start my re-build of my '79 F-100, it was mentioned that I should box my frame since I plan on rebuilding the 302 engine.
I know that even a modest re-build of the 302 will add about 100hp to it, do I really need to box the frame? If so how far back do I need to go?
I'm just trying to get a handle as to what would be required. I am figuring around 325bhp or so for the engine is what I am shooting for, 350BHP would be nice but not required.
Thanks for the help,
~Dan
As I prepare to start my re-build of my '79 F-100, it was mentioned that I should box my frame since I plan on rebuilding the 302 engine.
I know that even a modest re-build of the 302 will add about 100hp to it, do I really need to box the frame? If so how far back do I need to go?
I'm just trying to get a handle as to what would be required. I am figuring around 325bhp or so for the engine is what I am shooting for, 350BHP would be nice but not required.
Thanks for the help,
~Dan
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New User
Joined: Apr 2015
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Thank you again!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: North Dakota
Boxing the frame would make sense if you are upgrading the suspension and planning to autocross... frame flex makes it difficult to tune a suspension for maximum performance. Also if you plan to drag race a flexing frame makes it difficult to obtain maximum traction for launch.
For general, daily driver duty a stock frame will certainly suffice as-is.
For general, daily driver duty a stock frame will certainly suffice as-is.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
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In addition to the "not needed" comments I will add a couple more. Boxing can be strong/stiff but traps moisture. If you are in an area with rain or worse salt, corrosion is an issue (think Jaguar classics). Also, absent design, analysis and test, boxing could create high stress areas and cracks.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,698
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From: Taxachusetts
In addition to the "not needed" comments I will add a couple more. Boxing can be strong/stiff but traps moisture. If you are in an area with rain or worse salt, corrosion is an issue (think Jaguar classics). Also, absent design, analysis and test, boxing could create high stress areas and cracks.
Agree completely.....the frame has to have some flex.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2010
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From: NW Indiana
If we all seem so sure that boxing is BAD...why are so many hot rods, trucks etc. with serious HP sporting boxed frames. Why is there kits vailable to fix those bad ole weak frames?
I would agree that the OP doesn't need this but I wonder how many have actually seen the bad things that boxing a frame has caused..... in person.
I would agree that the OP doesn't need this but I wonder how many have actually seen the bad things that boxing a frame has caused..... in person.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,678
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
^
Right.
Other than flex, there's no reason for a boxed frame. Boxed frames are only about 12 years old in the pickup market. F-150 started that back in 04. They are great trucks, and no frame flex is kinda nice, but how many trucks have been made with open frames, and how much work have they done? Our trucks are decades old and still doing everything they did new.
Right.
Other than flex, there's no reason for a boxed frame. Boxed frames are only about 12 years old in the pickup market. F-150 started that back in 04. They are great trucks, and no frame flex is kinda nice, but how many trucks have been made with open frames, and how much work have they done? Our trucks are decades old and still doing everything they did new.
