Author Topic: How to lay frame  (Read 15257 times)

Offline 1fast78

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How to lay frame
« on: November 21, 2014, 09:02:20 pm »
Hi, I have a 78 c10 Big Ten edition that I would like to lay frame. I don't really know what all I need for that. I have been just looking around and I have found this
http://www.avsontheweb.com/73-87-gm-trucks-front-back-side-to-side-setup-electric-valves/
And this
http://pbfab.com/73-87-front-dropmember-airbag
The level 3 with the upper and lower arms with the rack and pinion and trans xmember with drop spindles
Is this all I will need? Any and all advice is welcome, thanks

Offline frotosride

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Re: How to lay frame
« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2014, 09:44:48 pm »
You got a fairly wide path to bag the truck especially if you want to lay frame. The frame above the rear axle will have to be notched and you will need a link bar system instead of leaf springs...welding is a necessity.
"Beat it like a red-headed ford"
1987 v10 Silverado(LQ4), 87 R10,83 K20, 83 cucv 6.2 Detroit
2006 Boulevard M109R 109 cid,2019 M109R BOSS
2009 Jeep XK, (future LS Swap)
GSXR 750 engine awaiting go kart

Offline 1fast78

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Re: How to lay frame
« Reply #2 on: November 21, 2014, 09:51:27 pm »
You got a fairly wide path to bag the truck especially if you want to lay frame. The frame above the rear axle will have to be notched and you will need a link bar system instead of leaf springs...welding is a necessity.
How big of notch? And what about the front suspension?

Offline frotosride

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Re: How to lay frame
« Reply #3 on: November 21, 2014, 10:02:38 pm »
The Notch: do some measurements first to check the lowest point off the frame to the ground. Then from the top of the axle to the frame. Subtract the two and this will get you close enough to decide if its something you want/can do or pay someone to do.

Front: there's a whole lot of geometry in the front suspension that you need to consider. The bags are universal so first you gotta make sure they can actually support the front end. And you will have to weld in the bag buckets to the new control arms for the kit unless the bagged option has them already installed.
"Beat it like a red-headed ford"
1987 v10 Silverado(LQ4), 87 R10,83 K20, 83 cucv 6.2 Detroit
2006 Boulevard M109R 109 cid,2019 M109R BOSS
2009 Jeep XK, (future LS Swap)
GSXR 750 engine awaiting go kart

Offline Captkaos

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Re: How to lay frame
« Reply #4 on: November 24, 2014, 11:39:55 am »
The front dropmember will get you very close to laying frame.  They design the kits to be safe, so dragging the frame isn't on the design however when deflated with the right size tires it should put the lowest part of the frame on the ground.
With his front and rear kit it will get the truck very low driving however.

Offline rockbottomc10

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Re: How to lay frame
« Reply #5 on: November 25, 2014, 04:43:00 pm »
Hey there. Im going for rockerpanel spark action. I just finished notching the rear of my frame 12". Alot of measuring, cutting, welding. Swearing. Cutting re-welding. 12" seems to lay nicely for me. I am currently working on the front. I'm am going with a pancaked crossmember. I've done  some research and 1.5" seems to be a good channel measurement as to not mess up steering angles beyond righteousness! Then I am going to z my frame the rest of the drop distance needed. But since i want body on ground, after all that ill cut the bottom of the tall section of under-cab frame so my panels are bent onto the pavement!! Should be a heck of a day!

ROCKBOTTOMC10👎

ROCKBOTTOMC10👎

Offline Captkaos

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Re: How to lay frame
« Reply #6 on: November 26, 2014, 12:02:54 pm »
If you are going to Z the frame don't waste your time on chopping the crossmember.  I assume you are talking about this for chopping the crossmember: http://www.captkaoscustoms.com/chopcross.html
If you are dead set on doing both don't go over 1.5" or you will have major steering geometry problems.  Are you just wanting to save money or just do it yourself.
The PB stuff with a little modification can be made to drag the rockers, but you have to cut the frame off...

This is what it will take to drag the rockers: http://www.loweredd.com/Frame_Z.html



Offline roundhouse

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Re: How to lay frame
« Reply #7 on: November 26, 2014, 12:08:02 pm »
The square body they recently did on Fast & Loud show was clost to the ground
With just bags

It turned out very nice

Offline Captkaos

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Re: How to lay frame
« Reply #8 on: November 26, 2014, 12:22:42 pm »
That one had full Porterbuilt suspension on it.  And big tires.  Which is another determining factor on getting them on the ground.

Offline rockbottomc10

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Re: How to lay frame
« Reply #9 on: January 18, 2015, 12:03:17 pm »
So assuming I just do the x member. And the frame rails. How close would I be to the rockers? Any ideas?

ROCKBOTTOMC10👎

ROCKBOTTOMC10👎

Offline Captkaos

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Re: How to lay frame
« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2015, 10:34:17 am »
As in cutting a crossmember or Porterbuilts.  Cutting one, not close, Porterbuilt with be close to dragging the frame aired out... as the rockers are above the frame rail.