53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

[bennylava]

Question - Was fully boxing the frame necessary? I understand the benefits in terms of rigidity, but would the truck be fine without it? Say you just added a couple new supports. Maybe some beefier cross members. Would that be enough? What are some other reasons to fully box the frame?

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by bennylava

Question - Was fully boxing the frame necessary? I understand the benefits in terms of rigidity, but would the truck be fine without it? Say you just added a couple new supports. Maybe some beefier cross members. Would that be enough? What are some other reasons to fully box the frame?

Stock frames are pretty much a limp noodle, but i wanted the rigidity and cleaner look to be honest. I'm sure a few added cross members would help though.

Dan

[big_dan]

A little more progress the last few afternoons getting the body back on for good back space measurements. More later-

Dan

[big_dan]

So at this point it's looking like all the tape measure work paid off. Front and rear track width is 58"; plenty of room. I'll be able to run a 10" wheel/ tire combo up front and a 12" in the rear with no worries.

I've looked high and low for a decent set of steel running boards with no luck, so I ordered a set today. We'll be able to tinker around with those by next week hopefully.

More later - thanks for looking -

Dan