"Swiss cheese frames"
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Zanesville,Ohio
"Swiss cheese frames"
I see "swiss cheese frames" mentioned quite a bit in this forum when talking about the early 1980's F150.
I just don't understand what the worry about it is.
I have a 1981 F150 I bought new in June 0f 1981 and it is still sound,I have never hauled a heavy payload or pulled a trailer with it.
Correct me if I am wrong,but my understanding of the "swiss cheese frame" is that slots/holes were cut it it in an effort to lighten the truck and increase fuel mileage and also reduce emissions.
I also own a 1985 chevy c20 3/4 ton pu it has the 8600lb gvwr option.
I have noticed some slots and holes machined in the frame as well but have never heard them refered to as having a "swiss cheese frame"
Jeff
I just don't understand what the worry about it is.
I have a 1981 F150 I bought new in June 0f 1981 and it is still sound,I have never hauled a heavy payload or pulled a trailer with it.
Correct me if I am wrong,but my understanding of the "swiss cheese frame" is that slots/holes were cut it it in an effort to lighten the truck and increase fuel mileage and also reduce emissions.
I also own a 1985 chevy c20 3/4 ton pu it has the 8600lb gvwr option.
I have noticed some slots and holes machined in the frame as well but have never heard them refered to as having a "swiss cheese frame"
Jeff
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Coleman, Wisconsin
I have the cheese frame on my '81 and have never really had any problems with it. I've had it loaded to where the rear springs sat completely level and hit some big dips in the road, not to mention the stupid offroading I do. Sure they're weaker than a solid frame but they aren't a problem unless you have a 3/4-1 ton and load it heavily.
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Junior User
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From: Zanesville,Ohio
Originally Posted by Boss50
I have the cheese frame on my '81 and have never really had any problems with it. I've had it loaded to where the rear springs sat completely level and hit some big dips in the road, not to mention the stupid offroading I do. Sure they're weaker than a solid frame but they aren't a problem unless you have a 3/4-1 ton and load it heavily.
We have never had any problems with it what so ever (frame).The truck is used mostly on the highway,we use the chebie 3/4 ton for our heavy firewood hauling,in otherwords if I am going to damage a truck I would rather it be the chebie rather than the F150.
I am in the process of gradually restoring the 81 F150 the only problem I have now with it is due to my own stupidity,I wasn't holding onto the driver's side door very tightly on an extremely windy day and the wind took the door out of my hand and ever since,the door has not closed properly,I am trying to figure out what is sprung;the door,hinges or both.
The gap around the door is not even close to being even (lined up).
Jeff
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Joined: Nov 2004
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DO NOT swiss cheeze your frame!!!!!! i have not done any mods to my frame and its way to weak already. my frame twists like crazy offroad and i already bent it at the radois arm brakets. I have to box in my frame just to keep my bed form denting my cab. so bad idea DO NOT do that
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From: New Bern, NC
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From: Spokane WA
Originally Posted by 1981 f150
I see "swiss cheese frames" mentioned quite a bit in this forum when talking about the early 1980's F150.
I just don't understand what the worry about it is.
Jeff
I just don't understand what the worry about it is.
Jeff
the cab when you hit a bump on a corner. It will make you butt pucker and your stomach jump into your chest in a way you will never forget.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Aurora,Colorado
I cant believe that Ford did that to the truck's frame. Are these lightening holes just between the rear wheels and the back end of the cab--or do the holes continue to the front wheels?And behind the rear axle? Are there holes in the cross members also? And this was also done to the F250?--unbelieveable.
Has anyone on here actually had one of these frames fail??
And Ford stopped this in the 1982 model year?
Has anyone on here actually had one of these frames fail??
And Ford stopped this in the 1982 model year?