The Black Hole

[gmanpaint]

What do the upper shackle mounting holes (in the frame) look like? It appears they are not parallel to the ground (hence, the rotated shackles.)

Good call Scott.

The drivers upper bushing mount is bent. There is a little BOX that the bushing goes into, and that itself is bent.

Here is the box with just a bolt in it to show how it is bent.

Here I loosely put the stock shackle on with upper bolt only. (I straightened the tow hook)

My question now, is HOW DO I MAKE IT STRAIGHT AGAIN?

 

[wisekise]

good question. i have the same problem w/ my drivers side shackle. it leans outward. i never looked into it though, tcase effed up before i could get to it. subscribing for progress, good luck

edit- it kinda looks like the frame is slightly twisted also?? might be the camera angle though

 

[corkey]

i offered the suggestion of using a high lift in the rail to push it back, or use a comealong to a tree to pull it back out to Gregg, i think he is trying one or the other,

 

[Scott B.]

My question now, is HOW DO I MAKE IT STRAIGHT AGAIN?

That's easy - a torch!!!!

Just kidding...

Talk to a frame/body shop - they probably have some suggestions and/or could put your truck on their machine and straighten out the frame.

I wonder if welding in some re-enforcement would be a good idea - after you get it un-bent!

 

[corkey]

definitely some bracing seems in order after bending it back out, so it doesn't happen again,

 

[Scott B.]

i offered the suggestion of using a high lift in the rail to push it back, or use a comealong to a tree to pull it back out to Gregg, i think he is trying one or the other,

I would be very careful trying to straighten the frame in an un-controlled environment. If you go too far, and bend it back again, you really start weakening the frame.

 

[corkey]

yeah , Gregg will go easy , he is very careful that way,,

 

[Turdle]

I wonder about hooking that aftermarket shackle up for more pull leverage and strength. Then a couple gussets in there on both sides.

 

[corkey]

might bend the shackle,

 

[Turdle]

might bend the shackle,

It may, but it seemed to hold up while bending in the first place.

 

[gmanpaint]

Alright, I had to fight to get the stock shackles back on with the angles and junk. Once on I hooked the big come-along to the frame next to the box and tried to bend it. No good.
Then tried it on the main leaf next to the shackle. Worked just a little. Moved back 1/2" maybe. The pass side was now pushing outwards more, so I just stopped altogether.

I did work safely, I used a tree saver (just came in the mail today) And watched after and during each pull of the winch.

I am going to have to take it in and have it done at a shop. I knew I should have had it boxed in after the ends of the frame were cut off for the stupid bumper brackets. My fault for not taking care of it when I should have. Live & learn I guess.

 

[dkchrist]

Could you find an old reciever hitch and make it into brace?

 

[gmanpaint]

That's not a bad idea Dk.

It was suggested to me to weld a "X" brace under to tie in the frames, that way it will be tucked up high, where the spare tire used to be. I do want to box the C channel frame rails though.

 

[CDW6212R]

All of that will help, it bent because of the openness of the rear frame area. If you get it straightened, and add to the frame around the mounts, it will take much more to bend it again.

Can you weld in a steel plate inside the frame from just behind the shackle mount, triangulated back to the rear? Make a triangle in the corner of the frame, as you look straight up at it behind the shackle. I'd start with those pieces first when you get it straight. Night,

 

[gmanpaint]

I'm thinking of welding a 2"x2" sq tube between the rails right behind the shackle mount. Going to get the steel this weekend.

You guys think 3/16" should be thick enough?

Also, will the flexing of the frame break/weaken the welds? Should I bolt instead? I can have tabs welded on, for 2 bolts per side.

 

[Scott B.]

Did you get your frame straightened?

I'm not real crazy about using a come-a-long to straighten the frame. If you were actually able to bent it, I would be concerned about the strength of the frame.

 

[gmanpaint]

Did you get your frame straightened?

I'm not real crazy about using a come-a-long to straighten the frame. If you were actually able to bent it, I would be concerned about the strength of the frame.

I will be taking it in to a shop to straighten it. After that I will get some plate welded to box the frame rails, and add a tube between the rails. I am going to bolt, the flex in the rear is too much for welds.

The come along didn't do anything really. it was just the rubber bushings being compressed is all.

 

[CDW6212R]

I'd bet it is hard to work on the frame with the body there. The frame in the back isn't very strong for off roading, reinforcing it will be very good. It will help a bunch for the shackle mounts and the tow hook points, for pulling.

 

[Scott B.]

I think I would weld it. Wasn't the crossmember you removed welded?

That area of the frame will see a lot of flex/twist - bolts may loosen or wallow their holes over time.

 

[gmanpaint]

The cross member is still there. It is not welded either, it is held on with rivets. I think they did that because of the flex. I dont want it too stiff back there. It has to be able to move upwards to 1" up and down. Welds will either break, or they wont allow for any flex.


Is my thinking wrong here?