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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: werewolfx13 on November 07, 2007, 07:33:51 pm

Title: Is there any benefit to extra frame bracing?
Post by: werewolfx13 on November 07, 2007, 07:33:51 pm
Is there any benefit to adding extra crossmembers/braces and/or partially boxing the frame, as far as handling goes? I know people box the frame for heavy towing/four wheeling, but I wasn't sure if it would make a handling improvment to strengthen the frame and/or tie it together in more places (namely in the rear).
Title: Re: Is there any benefit to extra frame bracing?
Post by: VileZambonie on November 07, 2007, 08:03:01 pm
No it won't make it handle better. Best handling mods would be springs, stabilizers, dampers, wider track etc
Title: Re: Is there any benefit to extra frame bracing?
Post by: werewolfx13 on November 07, 2007, 09:02:14 pm
Thanks, I knew all those things would make a very noticeable difference, but didn't know if our frames were prone to rolling a little in corners or not.
Title: Re: Is there any benefit to extra frame bracing?
Post by: cc247 on November 08, 2007, 05:30:07 pm
i had 33x12.50's on my 78 3/4ton 2wd and i put the extra frame supports from a 1ton 2wd on it and i could tell a difference in how it handled.  there are 2 of them, 1 for each side of the frame.  they both bolt to the bottom of the engine cradle in the center and then one goes to each side of the frame underneath the radiator support.  you;ll probably have to drill the holes but this was a good mod.

i also had a 1/2 ton that we wound up putting a 2 piece drivehaft in.  to carry the midshaft bearing, we put the extra crossmember from a 3/4 ton in it and that too helped cure some squeaks and rattles....