stretching a frame

[78repowerwagon]

I want to know the issues in lengthening the frame. Anybody have any issues with an extended frame such as weakness or brake problems or???

 

[y-knot]

I would say it depends on who does it, and how they do it. limmo companies do it everyday, and don't have any problems. The average backyard mechanic probally isn't capabile of the job. This isn't to say you could not do it, I don't know you. It would be bassed upon your welding skills, mechanical ability, matterial selection, and common sense. The proccess isn't that complex.

 

[78repowerwagon]

I would pay to have it done, I don't have the time other wise I would do it. My main issue is that the Frame stretched out 4-5 foot more and the long term effects of bad roads. Would it start to sag? Would it cause problems with the ABS?

 

[y-knot]

If done properly with the right materials and welding techniques that should be no problem with sagging, that is as long as it is not subjected to some odd treatment, or obvious overload. As far as the ABS system goes, it could care less if you shortened the truck 2 feet, or lengthened it 4. As long as everything is hooked up,no problem.

 

[Texas Diesel]

I'm thinking about doing this too, get rid of the SB box and get a LB size flat bed put on. There is another member here who stretched is QC LB to fit a sleeper, then he added a custom flat bed and 5th wheel hitch for his RV deleivery business. I asked him and he said he had no issues with the conversion. He had a 2wd, bet 4wd stresses might be a problem depending on whether you went beyond OEM LB length (I wouldnt), the 3500's have the same size of channel as the 2500's so my only worry was weakness at the welds.

 

[mberry]

You may consider having it boxed for extra strenght as well but I'm sure you had thought of that already.

 

[CPG]

What y-knot stated is true. A good frame shop is well experienced in this work. They are adept at the drive line modifications and the rest. Working over 30 years in the HD truck area, this is not a difficult job if one is equipped with the knowledge and qualificatiion in this work and has the shop and tools. Any big truck shop can do this as most have their own frame people for this work. At one time when I worked for a large Dodge agency, they had their own frame man for special ordered trucks.



Chuck

 

[OTRPU]

They do it everyday round Elkhart, IN. Camper Capital of the World, consequently lots of haulers. Best case is to buy a Cab'n'chasis, next best. . . stretch what you got. The company that stretched and installed the Roadmaster sleeper on OTR PU folded up and sold out to someone in NC. But there's several Amish shops round this part of the country that have trucks lined up to have frames stretched.



#ad




Tow Safe,

Steve J.

 

[KBalzuweit]

Steve... .



Do you happen to have some names. I am having a hard time finding any. I have talked to a few but most do not do our "little big rigs". They say the do not like to hassle with hydraulic brakes. I have talked to the new Roadmaster owner and he says he only does about 20 a year and I just not sure about having him do my truck. Plus he is a bit costly.



Karl

 

[Texas Diesel]

Originally posted by OTRPU

They do it everyday round Elkhart, IN.

That is the rig I was thinking of

 

[OTRPU]

Karl, I'll get back here with the top dog in or around Bristol, IN. I'm in Omaha, NE right now, headed to IL by 4 then MO noon tomorrow. Just running around lookin at stuff. Should be headed back to Angola, IN by Friday. If OTR PU is back together I'm looking for a load to OR. Running in my F350 is a PITA, two little bitty fuel tanks and no sleeper. Expect to post your answer Saturday if I'm loaded and running the Interstates. Getting old I guess, dam name slipped my mind. This company known all over Indiana as being the best in the country at laying a bead.



Cheers,

Steve J.