[auwing]

I have heard talk of boxing the frame I know what it is but is it worth th time and effort. I would be doing this to my 79 rc if i do

 

[RXT]

In my opinion, it's not worth the time or effort. The frame is pretty stout as it is.

Ed

 

[Hybrid]

rxt: care to delve into exactly what boxing a frame entails? I'm in the dark about the term.

 

[RXT]

Your frame is made up of two C channels which run the length of the truck. Boxing the frame is simply adding material on the open end of the "C" to close it in or box it.

Ed

 

[Hybrid]

thats ALL? I thought it was like putting numerous pieces of crossmember in something. I can't see that as helping drastically.

 

[chrysler300le]

Boxing a frame helps tremendously on flexing of the frame. Most trucks dont' ever need it and hard to do with gas tank and body in place. I am thinking about doing it to my old truck since it has no gas tank and bed on it right now. Otherwise I wouldn't bother.

 

[Dork]

best wear gloves, boxing the frame would be tough on the knuckles

anyways, my 85 has some heavy plate welded to the outside of the frame rails I assume to strengthen it up. I'm sure same basic goal as boxing the frame, but easier but not as cool. But I can see closing the C being stronger. Haven't seen any signs of frame damage, so I'm guessing the USDA did it when they had their hydraulic core smapler mounted to it.

 

[50ply]

well i helped box a 78 ford 1/2 ton frame and it made it strong but as for frame flex well there wasnt any, we added alot of weight and i found it rather piontless in the end.

 

[ramit87]

I have done it and it did really make the frame a lot stoughter. If I was going to do it again I would only do it in the places that would make a difference like at the steering box but it does make a difference.

 

[57plymouth]

I did mine, it added about 20-30 pounds. The bare frame will flex nearly twelve (TWELVE!) inches. After I boxed mine it flexes about TWO inches. Is it stronger; no doubt in my mind. And less than fifty pounds additional, no big deal.

 

[chrysler300le]

I did mine, it added about 20-30 pounds. The bare frame will flex nearly twelve (TWELVE!) inches. After I boxed mine it flexes about TWO inches. Is it stronger; no doubt in my mind. And less than fifty pounds additional, no big deal.

Exactly how did you get it to flex 12 inches?

 

[MoPaR MaNiaC 79RC]

wouldt that 12 inches of flex help you or is it pointless?

 

[RXT]

Frame flex is part of the design. If the frame was rigid, it would crack instead of flex. OTOH, excessive frame flex isn't desirable as it can lead to sloppy handling. The frame can get excessive flex from years of use. What typically happens is all the rivets that hold the frame and crossmembers tend to wear out or wallow out their holes, this can cause the frame components to move more than they did when they were new and tight. Also rusty frames can weaken and flex.

Ed

 

[57plymouth]

With the frame resting on four jack stands, pick up one corner, then measure how high that corner rises before another comes off the stands. My truck is 2wd, so frame flex is not that good. I welded everythig solid when I boxed it in so it is tough as nails.

 

[macario]

I think the engineering term is "end fixity" and I have done something similar to my frame. Had gussets welded from the frame rails to the crossmember for added strength and rigidity. By itself it does not seem to help much but when done together with other small modifications it makes a difference.