Frame Damage Help
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 1,248
Without any experience on what a good frame should look like it could be a challenge. These frames are made up from common shaped structural steel. Channel sections mainly with some areas box section. You're looking for rust, corrosion, cracks and any odd deformations which could indicate accident damage. The photos you posted show obvious flaws, complete rust through of the steel. If others said the frame was good then they were wrong. Seek better advice next time. Ideally you want smooth, clean, minimal rust and corrosion and bonus if original frame paint still intact. No Swiss cheese.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Thanks for those listings Franklin. So for getting a frame down south, which I agree would be the best option, am I buying the frame and doing the replacement up here? Or am I bringing the truck down to the frame and having the work done down there?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,178
Likes: 1,174
Would you be hiring a shop to do the replace the frame? Realistically, I think the bill for labor alone would be cost prohibitive.
Even if doing the work yourself, there’s another big (read: expensive) factor to consider. Considering the extent of corrosion damage, expect to find lots of secondary problems, too.
Nearly all fasteners will be severely corroded, too. Plan on a nasty fight to remove them, plus the expense to replace them.
Brake and fuel lines may have severe corrosion damage, too. Even if not too bad, the mounting clips may be seized and won’t let you remove the lines intact.
Shock mounts, spring bushings, fuel tank straps, the list goes on.
If doing the work yourself, do you have adequate facilities? It’s no small feat to hoist the cab, bed, and entire drivetrain.
Hate to rain on your parade, but replacing the frame is going to be a major undertaking with lots of potential pitfalls.
Even if doing the work yourself, there’s another big (read: expensive) factor to consider. Considering the extent of corrosion damage, expect to find lots of secondary problems, too.
Nearly all fasteners will be severely corroded, too. Plan on a nasty fight to remove them, plus the expense to replace them.
Brake and fuel lines may have severe corrosion damage, too. Even if not too bad, the mounting clips may be seized and won’t let you remove the lines intact.
Shock mounts, spring bushings, fuel tank straps, the list goes on.
If doing the work yourself, do you have adequate facilities? It’s no small feat to hoist the cab, bed, and entire drivetrain.
Hate to rain on your parade, but replacing the frame is going to be a major undertaking with lots of potential pitfalls.
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Would you be hiring a shop to do the replace the frame? Realistically, I think the bill for labor alone would be cost prohibitive.
Even if doing the work yourself, there’s another big (read: expensive) factor to consider. Considering the extent of corrosion damage, expect to find lots of secondary problems, too.
Nearly all fasteners will be severely corroded, too. Plan on a nasty fight to remove them, plus the expense to replace them.
Brake and fuel lines may have severe corrosion damage, too. Even if not too bad, the mounting clips may be seized and won’t let you remove the lines intact.
Shock mounts, spring bushings, fuel tank straps, the list goes on.
If doing the work yourself, do you have adequate facilities? It’s no small feat to hoist the cab, bed, and entire drivetrain.
Hate to rain on your parade, but replacing the frame is going to be a major undertaking with lots of potential pitfalls.
Even if doing the work yourself, there’s another big (read: expensive) factor to consider. Considering the extent of corrosion damage, expect to find lots of secondary problems, too.
Nearly all fasteners will be severely corroded, too. Plan on a nasty fight to remove them, plus the expense to replace them.
Brake and fuel lines may have severe corrosion damage, too. Even if not too bad, the mounting clips may be seized and won’t let you remove the lines intact.
Shock mounts, spring bushings, fuel tank straps, the list goes on.
If doing the work yourself, do you have adequate facilities? It’s no small feat to hoist the cab, bed, and entire drivetrain.
Hate to rain on your parade, but replacing the frame is going to be a major undertaking with lots of potential pitfalls.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 1,248
The area where the steering box is attached is a critical area and frames with no corrosion have failed in that area. When checking a frame that area should be your first place to inspect.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 1,248
If the body is in good shape someone may want it to do a frame swap on it. From what you say about your abilities and facilities you'd be better off selling this one and looking for a suitable replacement. Something that can be your daily driver, work truck, as needed.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,995
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
Do I see some 88 and newer listings even a 90?
I dont think he can use anything newer than 86 as that is the last year for our body style and our front bumper will bolt to the frame on.
Why geta newer frame and then need to swap the front frame horns just to bolt the bumper back on.
Also his rusted frame may not be good enough far back with the rust to even use like that?
Dave ----
I dont think he can use anything newer than 86 as that is the last year for our body style and our front bumper will bolt to the frame on.
Why geta newer frame and then need to swap the front frame horns just to bolt the bumper back on.
Also his rusted frame may not be good enough far back with the rust to even use like that?
Dave ----
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,995
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
I would find a shop first, and get a estimate on what it would cost and if you want to invest that in the truck. Frames don't weigh much, if you had another vehicle you could rent a u-haul and go get it. But I would find a shop to do the work first.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Ok sounds good. I appreciate all of the help!
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Why isn't paying somebody to do it an option? I don't want another truck if I can keep this one and get it fixed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 1,248
Ultimately how much money do you want to spend and how much time do you have?
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,124
From: Angier, NC
First is finding a shop that will even work on the truck as most only want to touch insurance jobs.
then figure maybe $200 per hour and a month of 40 hour weeks just to start.
Then as said you always find things like hardware brake & fuel lines, radiator support and bushings for body and suspension. And the list goes on.
I know as I did a 4 year cab off frame rebuild using 2 Trucks to make 1.
If i had to pay a shop to do what i did i could have bought a new truck LOL
Dave ----
then figure maybe $200 per hour and a month of 40 hour weeks just to start.
Then as said you always find things like hardware brake & fuel lines, radiator support and bushings for body and suspension. And the list goes on.
I know as I did a 4 year cab off frame rebuild using 2 Trucks to make 1.
If i had to pay a shop to do what i did i could have bought a new truck LOL
Dave ----
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 1,248
First is finding a shop that will even work on the truck as most only want to touch insurance jobs.
then figure maybe $200 per hour and a month of 40 hour weeks just to start.
Then as said you always find things like hardware brake & fuel lines, radiator support and bushings for body and suspension. And the list goes on.
I know as I did a 4 year cab off frame rebuild using 2 Trucks to make 1.
If i had to pay a shop to do what i did i could have bought a new truck LOL
Dave ----
then figure maybe $200 per hour and a month of 40 hour weeks just to start.
Then as said you always find things like hardware brake & fuel lines, radiator support and bushings for body and suspension. And the list goes on.
I know as I did a 4 year cab off frame rebuild using 2 Trucks to make 1.
If i had to pay a shop to do what i did i could have bought a new truck LOL
Dave ----
The OP will have to do the math for his truck, factor in any sentimental value of the current truck and make a choice of rebuild project or a "new to you" truck. These trucks are often family trucks that have a history and a familiarity. We even name them. So I don't mean to look past that personal meaning and value. Only you can make that choice.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 774
Likes: 104
From: Elk Grove Village, IL
Some of us, with the early Bull Nose trucks, have factory installed "Swiss cheese"....
That said, there's a lot of good advice here and I feel a little sorry for the OP. Aside from the frame, clearly a decent truck. But, without the knowledge/ability/time to do the swap, he's in a tough spot. I would also include Tennessee and Kentucky in the search area. I bought a really nice '85 Ranger from Louisville and I had no issues with corrosion.
That said, there's a lot of good advice here and I feel a little sorry for the OP. Aside from the frame, clearly a decent truck. But, without the knowledge/ability/time to do the swap, he's in a tough spot. I would also include Tennessee and Kentucky in the search area. I bought a really nice '85 Ranger from Louisville and I had no issues with corrosion.