Welding to the Frame?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Welding to the Frame?
*Unnecessary intro*
Hi All - new truck owner and new member here. I purchased a 1985 F350 4wd SRW long bed with a 460 back in January, and have been researching, reading, and learning all about it since then. I have found these forums indispensable, and have simply neglected joining as I haven't needed to post any questions or responses.
*Question*
Is it possible to weld on / weld parts to the frames of these trucks?
I have searched, and found a few threads, but none that address this exact issue, and the reason I am asking is that I have done some research for friends with different years/makes/models of trucks, and have found some frames simply don't take to welding well (different metals, etc - weld fail). I'd like to do some things here or there (ex: rock sliders / side steps), and just want to know if I should design these parts to be weld-in only, or rely on high grade bolts.
Thanks!
Hi All - new truck owner and new member here. I purchased a 1985 F350 4wd SRW long bed with a 460 back in January, and have been researching, reading, and learning all about it since then. I have found these forums indispensable, and have simply neglected joining as I haven't needed to post any questions or responses.
*Question*
Is it possible to weld on / weld parts to the frames of these trucks?
I have searched, and found a few threads, but none that address this exact issue, and the reason I am asking is that I have done some research for friends with different years/makes/models of trucks, and have found some frames simply don't take to welding well (different metals, etc - weld fail). I'd like to do some things here or there (ex: rock sliders / side steps), and just want to know if I should design these parts to be weld-in only, or rely on high grade bolts.
Thanks!
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
It's best to use bolts. If you look at the way the factory put the frame together, they used rivets, very little welding.
The reason is the heat weakens the frame. Look at the frame and the pieces again, they are are folded and punched. The main frame sides are a bent and folded "C", not formed and made with heat like a regular c-channel would be. This work hardens the metal and makes it stiff. Every hole they punch work hardens the metal around the hole. When you weld on the frame it softens and takes out this "work hardening".
Have people welded on these frames and had no problems? Sure. But it's better to take the high road and bolt it if you can. The only thing you have to watch out for is the thickness of the frame area where you are bolting. The frame is pretty thin in most areas, so you should back the frame up on the other side with large homemade washers to spread the force over a wider area.
The reason is the heat weakens the frame. Look at the frame and the pieces again, they are are folded and punched. The main frame sides are a bent and folded "C", not formed and made with heat like a regular c-channel would be. This work hardens the metal and makes it stiff. Every hole they punch work hardens the metal around the hole. When you weld on the frame it softens and takes out this "work hardening".
Have people welded on these frames and had no problems? Sure. But it's better to take the high road and bolt it if you can. The only thing you have to watch out for is the thickness of the frame area where you are bolting. The frame is pretty thin in most areas, so you should back the frame up on the other side with large homemade washers to spread the force over a wider area.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
It's best to use bolts. If you look at the way the factory put the frame together, they used rivets, very little welding.
The reason is the heat weakens the frame. Look at the frame and the pieces again, they are are folded and punched. The main frame sides are a bent and folded "C", not formed and made with heat like a regular c-channel would be. This work hardens the metal and makes it stiff. Every hole they punch work hardens the metal around the hole. When you weld on the frame it softens and takes out this "work hardening".
Have people welded on these frames and had no problems? Sure. But it's better to take the high road and bolt it if you can. The only thing you have to watch out for is the thickness of the frame area where you are bolting. The frame is pretty thin in most areas, so you should back the frame up on the other side with large homemade washers to spread the force over a wider area.
The reason is the heat weakens the frame. Look at the frame and the pieces again, they are are folded and punched. The main frame sides are a bent and folded "C", not formed and made with heat like a regular c-channel would be. This work hardens the metal and makes it stiff. Every hole they punch work hardens the metal around the hole. When you weld on the frame it softens and takes out this "work hardening".
Have people welded on these frames and had no problems? Sure. But it's better to take the high road and bolt it if you can. The only thing you have to watch out for is the thickness of the frame area where you are bolting. The frame is pretty thin in most areas, so you should back the frame up on the other side with large homemade washers to spread the force over a wider area.
Now, in other applications, I have heard of / seen people box the frame in. Would there be and good reason(s) to, or NOT to, box the frame?
Perhaps even tack a plate on the back side of the C channel and run the bolts through both sides of the frame?
Thanks again.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
You could box the frame. The strength you would gain from the boxing would probably overcome any weakening from the heat of welding it. But it would be a lot of work, and a lot of crossmembers to deal with.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 5
From: Northeast Ohio USA
It's best to use bolts. If you look at the way the factory put the frame together, they used rivets, very little welding.
The reason is the heat weakens the frame. Look at the frame and the pieces again, they are are folded and punched. The main frame sides are a bent and folded "C", not formed and made with heat like a regular c-channel would be. This work hardens the metal and makes it stiff. Every hole they punch work hardens the metal around the hole. When you weld on the frame it softens and takes out this "work hardening".
Have people welded on these frames and had no problems? Sure. But it's better to take the high road and bolt it if you can. The only thing you have to watch out for is the thickness of the frame area where you are bolting. The frame is pretty thin in most areas, so you should back the frame up on the other side with large homemade washers to spread the force over a wider area.
The reason is the heat weakens the frame. Look at the frame and the pieces again, they are are folded and punched. The main frame sides are a bent and folded "C", not formed and made with heat like a regular c-channel would be. This work hardens the metal and makes it stiff. Every hole they punch work hardens the metal around the hole. When you weld on the frame it softens and takes out this "work hardening".
Have people welded on these frames and had no problems? Sure. But it's better to take the high road and bolt it if you can. The only thing you have to watch out for is the thickness of the frame area where you are bolting. The frame is pretty thin in most areas, so you should back the frame up on the other side with large homemade washers to spread the force over a wider area.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 5
From: Orlando area
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
The blue/gray house in frame 4 belonged to my godmother and her family back in 1983.
She said the traffic overhead "sounded funny" and that the pigeons weren't roosting for days before the rusty link let go.
She said the traffic overhead "sounded funny" and that the pigeons weren't roosting for days before the rusty link let go.
Trending Topics
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Yipes! That is scary. And the pigeons knew. That's really interesting.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 5
From: Northeast Ohio USA
Sometimes even the engineers screw up. The Worst Bridge Collapses in the Past 100 Years - Photo Essays - TIME
How many miles do you log per day on your bullnose ? Personally....I rack up 40 to 55. The Engineer's certainly hit the mark with mine....All it takes is faith and a little trust in your own ability with Fords..have a wonderful night !
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 5
From: Orlando area
Then weld it...no worries. Just be sure to check back in 6 months or so after a few miles of rough, uneven half reconstructed roads....I'd be interested in the survey results. How many miles do you log per day on your bullnose ? Personally....I rack up 40 to 55. The Engineer's certainly hit the mark with mine....All it takes is faith and a little trust in your own ability with Fords..have a wonderful night !
How many miles do you log per day on your bullnose ? Personally....I rack up 40 to 55. The Engineer's certainly hit the mark with mine....All it takes is faith and a little trust in your own ability with Fords..have a wonderful night !
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,103
Likes: 383
From: Southern California
FYI- check with a frame shop- there were frames produced in that period that are "no-weld"......the vin number will provide (should) the specifics you need to verify. If you do have a no-weld frame and weld on it, it may initially look ok but there is a an excellent chance of a spontaneous failure (collapse) down the road...could be months or years.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hollerhunter
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
May 14, 2018 11:15 PM
skuteman
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Oct 31, 2003 09:42 AM