Author Topic: Is there any benefit to extra frame bracing?  (Read 3219 times)

Offline werewolfx13

  • Site Supporters
  • Junior Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 841
Is there any benefit to extra frame bracing?
« 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).
Chris
'83 Chevy c10 Silverado SWB
'76 Chevy k20 LWB 6.5'x8' Flatbed
“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

Offline VileZambonie

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19167
Re: Is there any benefit to extra frame bracing?
« Reply #1 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
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠¯¯¯¯¯'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline werewolfx13

  • Site Supporters
  • Junior Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 841
Re: Is there any benefit to extra frame bracing?
« Reply #2 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.
Chris
'83 Chevy c10 Silverado SWB
'76 Chevy k20 LWB 6.5'x8' Flatbed
“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

Offline cc247

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 7
Re: Is there any benefit to extra frame bracing?
« Reply #3 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....