are 80-81 frames weak?

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Feb 4, 2004 | 09:23 AM

#16

Harley48

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: Pocatello, Idaho

Little typo there-its a 302, not a "203".

Feb 4, 2004 | 09:45 AM

#17

oldhalftons

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From: Spokane WA

are these 80-81 frame heat treated or are the just mild steel and weldable?

Feb 4, 2004 | 10:02 AM

#18

Big Orn

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Joined: Jun 2003

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From: NE Texas

Quote:

Originally posted by oldhalftons
are these 80-81 frame heat treated or are the just mild steel and weldable?

They are heat-treated to some degree, but they are still weldable under certain techniques. It depends on the part as to what procedure is required. Nothing fancy either way.

Feb 4, 2004 | 10:03 AM

#19

Harley48

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From: Pocatello, Idaho

My service manual has a section on frame repair. In part this section advises that all frame welding should be done with electric welding equipment. It also advises to keep the heat to as small an area as possible to prevent a change in hardness of the metal. For frame straightening, the manual advises to, "keep the temperature below 1200 degrees (a dull red glow). Excessive heat may weaken the metal in the frame members and cause permanent damage."

81 F150 SB 4X4 302 NP435 NP208 224,000 mi.

Feb 5, 2004 | 07:42 AM

#20

stinkfist

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From: Mobile, AL

Do the 80/1 F-350's have the same problem?

Feb 5, 2004 | 08:07 AM

#21

lastchance

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Joined: Apr 2001

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From: South Central PA

Just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. I made a trailer out of an 84 F100 shortbed. I was able to cut through the frame with a sawzall and a regular metal cutting blade. After cutting the notches in to bring the front together I was able to bend the frame rails in by HAND lol. Seems a little weak to me, but I guess it makes the frame more flexible overall. Also means it should be fairly easy to weld as far as hardness goes. I made a trailer out of a 73 F150 a couple years ago and it was a lot harder to work with!

Feb 5, 2004 | 08:37 AM

#22

Big Orn

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From: NE Texas

Quote:

Originally posted by stinkfist
Do the 80/1 F-350's have the same problem?

They are not as strong as the later models, but definitely stronger than the F100/F150’s

Quote:

Originally posted by lastchance
Also means it should be fairly easy to weld as far as hardness goes.

True – it is not heat-treated for hardness, it is treated for durability…and a poor job of that! But, unless it is continuously twisted in the same area it will last as long as the rest of the truck. Remember, the only reason the frame cracks at the steering box is because the box flexes the frame quite often there. (plus the front bumpers work loose giving that side of the frame more occasions to flex abnormally.)

Feb 5, 2004 | 08:46 PM

#23

Steve's Beast

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Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 184

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From: Elk Lake ON. Canada

Well you guys got me wondering about my truck! It was used for moderate heavy jobs. Back leafs are broke but I have heard of that before so lets hope for my sake that I am Ok with my frame. I will start whith my project soon when it warms up.

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Feb 10, 2004 | 12:50 AM

#24

Fordtough300-6

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Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 19

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From: lakeside

My frame cracked when i was having a pulloff. I got it welded, but the bed doesnt match up with the cab. Is there anything i can do about that? Its not to bad just annoying. My dad said Ford did that for gas mileage? is that true?

Feb 10, 2004 | 06:43 AM

#25

Big Orn

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From: NE Texas

Quote:

Originally posted by Fordtough300-6
My frame cracked when i was having a pulloff. I got it welded, but the bed doesnt match up with the cab. Is there anything i can do about that? Its not to bad just annoying. My dad said Ford did that for gas mileage? is that true?

Getting the frame back to original configs requires a good straightener (or a good set of tools on your part). Most body shops have these frame straightening machines.

As far as light-weight frame for gas mileage - I heard that, but can't confirm it.

Feb 10, 2004 | 03:21 PM

#26

hoxiii

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From: Pittsburgh

I heard it was for fuel mileage too, but can't be for sure.

Justin

Feb 10, 2004 | 06:05 PM

#27

lectricman

Mountain Pass

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 197

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From: In the swamps of Florida

How strong is the '83-up compared to the 80-81. I go off roading quite often and tend to twist the truck up on a regular basis. Will I wind up with a bent frame or is it capable of handling it?