frame question

[olblue2]

anyone else here have a 1977 k-20 4x4? was wondering theres a cross memeber piece on the frame rigt above the rear end that goes from one side of frame to other thats rusted pretty bad on mine. someone told me it was a fifth wheel brace somone installed?   was wondering if i can just take it out as wont use a fifth wheel

anyone? anyone?

[crazedhick3]

Ive got a '77.  do you mean the narrow piece across the back?  not sure what it was for but it was definately too small for anything like a fifth wheel support.  i took mine out.  i thought it was a support for the spare tire.  may not be the same piece you are referring to.

[olblue2]

nahh this piece is right over the rear axle. rusted bad on one end

[Captkaos]

Take a picture and post it.
There shouldn't be anything above the axle from the factory.  Is it riveted on or welded?

[olblue2]

Take a picture and post it.
There shouldn't be anything above the axle from the factory.  Is it riveted on or welded?

looks bolted in, someone said it was a brace someone put in for a fifth wheel

but its right above the rear axle and it goes right across the top of the frame

[Captkaos]

If it is bolted in It was added.

[oldwhity]

My 85 has one. It looks like a thick steel plate with a hole in the middle. In the bed there's just a hole and inside the hole there are threads for a ball. I'm not sure how it's installed because I never looked closely at it. I would remove it if it is bolted in.

[69byrd]

My 4x4 has one, a steel plate that a goose neck ball is attached to.