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Modifying/removing frame supports

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Old Mar 5, 2022 | 08:37 PM
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Modifying/removing frame supports

Ok. Before anyone gets to cranked up... i know ford put in frame cross braces, for a reason. And im not actually wanting to delete them... that said, specifically, i have seen differrent configurations on the rear two braces, they seem different from F to Ex to E.... so, my question is, could the cross over between the two, that a spare is usually held against, be removed, without ill effect? How about one, of the two braces? Where is the, assumed line, where function and safety cross?
 
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Old Mar 6, 2022 | 08:36 AM
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I'd think this would be basically impossible to answer without some context. The answer could differ quite a bit between a truck running baja and a trailered show truck.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2022 | 08:45 AM
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The cross members keep the frame from pretzeling.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2022 | 08:48 AM
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Normal use, highway driving, with trailers and bed loads intermittantly.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2022 | 01:37 PM
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That would be the highest effort suicide I ever heard of.

Lots of engineering went into the frame design to make it durable and safe. Why risk it?

I'd also advise against welding on the frame, since we're almost on the subject. It will degrade the temper of the steel, making that area brittle.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2022 | 02:42 PM
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So if I'm understanding correctly you want to remove the cross brace for the cross braces? Could It be done safely? Yeah I'm sure it could, but any structural integrity you remove to make room for something else has to be put back somewhere else. So you take out the bracing between them something has to be added for and aft to pick up the slack. One thing to consider is liability also. If you were ever in an accident and the modifications came to light it could open the door for all kinds of expensive trouble, even if you weren't at fault. Just things to keep in mind.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2022 | 03:24 PM
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Honestly... what id most like to do, is flip that xbrace, over, and get more downward room. Would gain 6 to 8 inches space that way, for either a fuel tank, or a hide away tool box...
 
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Old Mar 6, 2022 | 09:26 PM
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Just flipping shouldn't really effect structural integrity. Those are all held in place w/ rivets so no welding required. I can't imagine it would be easy or fun, but doable.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2022 | 09:49 PM
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Good luck getting the rivets out.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2022 | 10:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Bitterroot Diesel
Good luck getting the rivets out.
Oh yeah those guys are in there for serious. I pity anyone X cutting the heads then knocking them off w/ a cold chisel. I'm a hot wrench man myself, but even still they are a bear.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2022 | 10:29 PM
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I used a plasma.
 
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