Frame Stretch

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May 9, 2007 | 09:42 PM

crazyredneckanyhow

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From: Across from the neighbors

Frame Stretch

Hey guys i couldnt find a forum that delt with just frames so i thought this was close . Im wanting to know if anyone has ever stretched a frame. Im wanting to do this to my truck to go from a supercab to a crew cab with an 8ft bed. Its a 79 if that helps. I need to add approx. 10 in under the cab. Anyone thats done this i ned some specs on how they did it. any info is much appreciated.
Thanks, Dave

May 10, 2007 | 10:47 AM

WarWagon

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I do a lot fabrication and and modification, but even I would rethink this one. If you are bound and determined to do it.....I would make a very precise fixture that bolts to the frame across the section that you are cutting using exsisting frame holes. Then I would have another set of hols separated the 10" you desire. once the frame is cut...move it to the next set of holes and bolt it together. Weld in the frame spacer. Then add a section to the inside of the frame to totally box the section beyond the added section. Then remove the fixture. Welding won't be hard....frame alignment will and is the hardest part. Again...not a job I would undertake.

May 10, 2007 | 11:30 AM

crazyredneckanyhow

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From: Across from the neighbors

Hey thanks for the info. I was told awhile back to cut the frame at a 45 degree angle. This would give me more distance to weld to. Do you think this would be a good idea? Sunday im going to talk to a gentleman that has welded for the last 50 sum odd yrs and see if he has ever done this. The reason im doing this is because i have a nice 79 crewcab with an 8ft bed but i want it to be 4wd. So i have a supercab 4wd f-250 that has an 8ft bed. The wheelbase has approx 10in difference so i just wanted to add 10in under the cab to make it work..Any other ideas that i could approach this with other than stretching the frame? Thanks again
Dave

May 10, 2007 | 06:10 PM

WarWagon

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Yes...I would cut at a 45, but also box the frame when you are done in that area.

May 10, 2007 | 08:08 PM

surewhynot

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Would it be feasable to just swap the axles, tranny and transfer case?

May 10, 2007 | 08:19 PM

crazyredneckanyhow

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From: Across from the neighbors

Well heres the deal. The crews share the same frame with the highboys.Which is different front the 78-79 trucks. The Way the front springs mount is also different. The crew actually has theholes to use the highboy suspension. However the only good highboy i can find locally is the neighbors and he wants $1500 for it. Thats kinda pricey for a parts truck and its actually to nice to tear apart. I was then thinking about going with coils and radius arms but.. the arms are to short and i dont think $789 is a very fair price for extended radius arms. I do know that i can use the supercab frame with a 6 ft bed but i really want an 8ft bed. Im just at a loss right now as of what to do. This is the start of my dream truck but i just dont know which way to turn.

May 10, 2007 | 09:01 PM

George Frasier

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From: Kingsport, TN

The boxing of the frame sounds good - as mentioned above. I'd put gussets inside the frame about 1' - 1 1/2' PAST the cut on each end also. Years ago we shortened a Travelall frame to make a dune buggy out of it. There were 10" between the leaf springs when it was done and had almost a square tire configuration ( 5' 2" wheelbase )