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I'm finally getting around to installing these bars I bought last August. I read through the novel of paperwork that came with the kit, and also watched a few videos, including Sous', but I ran into a snag that doesn't appear to come up anywhere;
Where do I install the frame mounts? (On the frame, duh!) But they don't seem to fit anywhere that seems logical... I have a regular cab truck (shortest frame out there) so there isn't as much frame to choose from.
The instructions, packaging and documentation that came with this kit are a little overboard in my opinion, but very thorough except for one thing... where to put the mounts. The diagrams appear to show it just behind the front bed mount so that is where I went first... and...there is a fuel tank in the way!
The mount will not clear the fuel tank, does the tank need to be dropped or moved?? I do have a H&H kit I need to install as well, but wasn't planning on messing with that this week. Either way, it doesn't look like this will fit without contacting the tank and causing other issues, (friction on the tank? bad!) see photo:
So I looked further towards the front, as the bars are pretty long... There are existing holes in the frame that seem like a very logical place, as the holes appear to line up with the mount. I cannot confirm this, however, as the transmission/t-case crossmember is in the way, see photos:
This is the only stretch of frame that either doesn't have a bend/curve in it, or is not directly adjacent to the fuel tank.
Not sure what to do here! Has anyone else ran into this? Is anyone running these on a regular cab truck?
When I installed my PMF traction bars I put the rear mounts on and bolted the traction bars to the rear first. Then I put the front brackets on the traction bars and put them up against the frame to mark the holes. I had to drill all new holes in the frame to mount them.
When I installed my PMF traction bars I put the rear mounts on and bolted the traction bars to the rear first. Then I put the front brackets on the traction bars and put them up against the frame to mark the holes. I had to drill all new holes in the frame to mount them.
I should have been more specific, the OUOs have an adjustable length bar, so the front mounts can really go anywhere within reason. There is probably 3+ feet of adjustment in the kit and the bars are not a pre-determined length.
When I installed my PMF traction bars I put the rear mounts on and bolted the traction bars to the rear first. Then I put the front brackets on the traction bars and put them up against the frame to mark the holes. I had to drill all new holes in the frame to mount them.
Originally Posted by beef ****
I should have been more specific, the OUOs have an adjustable length bar, so the front mounts can really go anywhere within reason. There is probably 3+ feet of adjustment in the kit and the bars are not a pre-determined length.
I would start at the rear, then use the adjustablity of the bars to determine the best place for the front bracket.
I would make a template of the bracket out of construction paper. That way you could fit it to the frame by the t-case support to confirm if the holes line up. If they do then I would use the template to see how I need to modify it to fit and if those modifications are feasible to do to the actual bracket without compromising it's strength.
I would start at the rear, then use the adjustablity of the bars to determine the best place for the front bracket.
Unless I go in front of the crossmember (which seems dumb) there is not a good spot. Adjustability isn't the issue, it's that there doesn't look like a good spot anywhere between the rear axle and crossmember. There are already 6 factory holes behind the crossmember, adding more seems dumb and 4 of them line up with the OUO mount (as if they were meant to go there) but that damn crossmember is in the way.
Super cab long bed or Super cab baby bed? I have the 137" wheel base. Where it looks like it should go (factory drilled holes that line up with OUO mount), there isn't clearance, and there isn't much space behind that to mount before the frame turns upward to the bed.
So this is basically the area I am limited to putting the mounts unless I start cutting (between red lines).... as you can see there are already 6 holes on the bottom of the frame. Four of which appear to line up perfectly with the OUO mount, which seems to me, means they likely intended it to go there on some trucks.
I'm aware I can just drill more holes in the area, but I would rather not perforate the frame... Seems pretty janky to have a hole every inch or less. Am I better off grinding the OUO mount a bit to make it fit where it belongs or drilling a bunch of holes (and weakening) the frame? Welding is an option too, and probably the route I should go, but that requires paying a shop and taking the time to go there and wait.
Sous, I watched your video, it doesn't look like your frame has all the holes that mine does, for whatever reason. Just scaling a little bit mentally, your frame looks longer too between the crossmember and where it turns.
You use the phrase “seems dumb” “seems janky” … if you want them mounted you have to quit overthinking this. You’re willing to “grind” part of the cross member but are against “drilling” a couple holes, it’s 6 of one half dozen of the other. Mount the rear, play with the length find the spot that flat out works. Then mark it and decide if you want to drill several holes or have it welded. Neither method is going to negatively affect the frame strength. Sure it would be great if the holes lined up but they apparently don’t, just gotta deal with it. IF you choose to have it welded on, do yourself a favor and clean the powder coating off the brackets and clean up the frame with a flap wheel, it’ll save you a bit of money doing the prep work yourself.
Sorry for the late reply, we are dealing with a family emergency and I am far from the truck to look closer for you.
My truck is a short bed, super cab.
I remember where I drilled holes there were none available. I want to say it was just aft of where the frame gets wider, but cannot remember for sure.
I do not know when I will be by the truck to take a closer look for you, but would certainly be willing to do so when I am. Might be a few days, or a few weeks at this point, can't say for certain.
Sorry for the late reply, we are dealing with a family emergency and I am far from the truck to look closer for you.
My truck is a short bed, super cab.
I remember where I drilled holes there were none available. I want to say it was just aft of where the frame gets wider, but cannot remember for sure.
I do not know when I will be by the truck to take a closer look for you, but would certainly be willing to do so when I am. Might be a few days, or a few weeks at this point, can't say for certain.
I you can safely grind a little off the brackets and/or crossmember to use the existing holes do that, or drill new ones.
Curious: what problem do the bars solve?
They keep the rear axle from "wrapping" during acceleration, heavy load, or when shifting and it seems they should also add quite a bit of life and durability to the driveline.
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