Frame Issues
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 201
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From: Churchville, VA
Frame Issues
I am in the process of installing my MII front suspension. Before I started, I took my frame to a shop in town to have it straightened, because at some point in its 53 year history, it was in a fender bender. They straightened it out and it looked good. BUT, as I was taking measurements for the MII crossmember, it turns our the frame is not square. The side to side measurements are good, but diagonally, it is off. The measurements differ about 1/8" over 42".
Is this something to fuss over? I can square the crossmember, but then that will be the only thing square on the frame. Or should I square it with the rear end. I'm at a loss............
Is this something to fuss over? I can square the crossmember, but then that will be the only thing square on the frame. Or should I square it with the rear end. I'm at a loss............
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,495
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From: Northwest Fl
I'm not an expert but my suggestion would be to drop a plumb-bob to the center of the axles, mark the frame and square from those four points. Of course if there is wear in the spring hangers, it could throw off your measurements. To counter that you may want to measure your center axle marks (on the frame rail) to a known reference on the same frame rail and compare right side to left side to make sure to your correct, then square the frame.
Last edited by Huntsman; Sep 26, 2006 at 10:19 AM.
New User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
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Originally Posted by Huntsman
I'm not an expert but my suggestion would be to drop a plumb-bob to the center of the axles, mark the frame and square from those four points. Of course if there is wear in the spring hangers, it could throw off your measurements. To counter that you may want to measure your center axle marks (on the frame rail) to a known reference on the same frame rail and compare right side to left side to make sure to your correct, then square the frame.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
Originally Posted by Randy Jack
It seems a bit silly to be chasing after 1/8". Most frame shops would probably tell you that was well within their "tolerance". Heck, some shops would be lucky to get it that close!!! 
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Churchville, VA
Well, I went with what I had and welded the crosssmember in. Used a big ratchet strap to pull it together. Just for kicks, I meassured it again and BINGO, its square now! Well within 1/16" anyway. Good enough for me!
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: peyton, colorado
My son is taking frame straightening classes right now for his auto collision degree. He says anything that's body on frame they get to withing 1/4", and that's within spec. Back in the seventies, I would see new cars come in for their first alignment that were 1/4 to 1/2" out, without any collision damage. Sounds like you're pretty straight.