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Hey guys, in the process of trying to get my front horns lined up on my 79 crewcab as it was hit up front. I was wondering if I should pull all the sheetmetal and all out, or leave it in place to see where I'm at while pulling. Some chains, a tree, and a tractor sound about right? Or is it too hillbilly deluxe? Give me some ideas or stories.
depends on where you live if its HILLBILLY DELUXE, here in Arkansas, you could pull it off with people asking, "you need my tractor" but thats just arkansas, i know i straightened one of my fenders with a Chain a tree and reverse, and the neighbors thought that was a sight. Also for a mud truck YES, for an everyday driver, i would say no, but im not a frame expert, im w/ International.
Hill billy deluxe is adding aether a struck match and a patch to a blown out tractor tire to advance inflation....... what you ask is simply common sense where Im from.
Don't believe you can get it right enough to keep from wearing tires out if it's a daily driver, if it's a mud toy or hill climber go for it. Daily driver, take it to a shop and have the frame straightened.
I agree with using a come-a-long. If you yank on it with a tractor its too easy to over do it and then you have to bend the frame back the other way weakening the steel. If the damage is in front of the crossmember hopefully it wont affect the steering. Try adjusting the frame without anchoring the truck first. You dont want to anchor one side and pull on the other side knocking the good rail out of whack. (If that makes sense) Id leave the fenders on while pulling it. If the damage isnt too bad maybe you can salvage them.
Thanks for the ideas guys. The damage is indeed past the cross-member so I should be alright there. The shop has a port-a-power I may tweek it with after I get close. I still have some measurements that Crazyredneckanyhow was kind enough to get me, hopefully I can get it "dialed in".
i too have done the tree / chain/ comealong frame machine thing. i just had to pull the frame a little. mine worked. if you go slow and use patience you can git r done.