Hey guys I recently got an 82 4x4 for FREE! only draw back is the frame is completely rusted and broken in one place my question is how hard would it be to build a straight frame for the truck as far as getting everything to work correctly my plan is to pretty much build rectangle out of 2x4 tubing and transfer everything the the new frame I'd make new hangars and cross members to just don't know about all the pinion angles clearances

 

My advice would be to strip the truck to bare frame, and use the good side to template your new frame rails (making mirror images for the left and right rails). Take your time and do your research as best you can to ensure the rail your mimicing is up to spec and not tweaked from fatigue caused by the broken rail. MEASURE, MEASURE, MEASURE. Do not rush it! The distance and height of your mounts for suspension, drivetrain, and body can make or break this project. Now is also the perfect time to relocate things such as leaf spring mounts for chevy 63's and whatnot. This could turn out to be a golden opportunity for the perfect setup for your needs. For pinion angle's I would set an axle on jack stands and aim the pinion at the proper angle for the truck, bolt on the springs of your choice, and measure the difference of height between the spring eyes, then adjust the location of your spring mounts on your frame during the build. Remember to weld straps over butt welded sections of your frame for safe measure too. These are just my thoughts that jumped into my head after reading your post. I hope that my rambling is useful to you, and that any other Yotatechers can help you as well.

 

Thanks for the input I was think about this at work today I want to keep cost as low as possible as I'll only be using this truck for huntnting/fishing and the occasional trail but since the frame is shot and the body isn't exactly anything to brag about I'm considering maybe a tube chassis Truggy type vehicle or a front engine buggy nothing too extreme but something different than everything else around here but like I said nothing extreme stock running gear and suspension

 

This is going to cost quite a bit more then you think.

The time alone is going to be considerable .

Since from your questions you don`t do this type of work.

 

 

I know how to do the work just never been this in depth I'm actually a diesel mechanic that's why I asked about a straight frame in the initial question all the big trucks I've worked on just have straight rails no bends over axles or around the engine the only real drawback I can think of would be getting the pinion angles rite I'm assuming I could cut the spring mounts off the axle and weld them back where I need them shifter height is the only other issue I could think of since the cab sits in the lowest part of the original frame

 

Cost isn't an issue I'm being realistic I'm shooting for a 2-3 year project just to keep cost spread out plus I can get all my materials for discounted prices

 

1981 Frame dimensions. Tried scanning multiple times but this is about the best i got.
should give you a headstart. dimensions in parenthesis are for a long bed frame

 

With a straight frame your axles will have minimal uptravel due to no rise in the rails for the axle to move upward.

 

Thanks guys I think I'm leaning more towards a tube chasis at this point It's not gonna be quick or cheap project by any means but I've had the truck for 4 years and just went and picked it up over the weekend so I'm not in a big hurry it sat for 15 years 1 or 2 more wont hurt I'm just happy to have something to tinker with again lol

 

depending on where you live, I have an 83 frame(short bed) I will be looking at parting with soon. If you're interested in this instead, let me know.

 

Well guys I found a 92 2wd with a blown head gasket so thinking maybe do a sas/4x4/22r conversion