W-250 Frame Question

[JDancoe]

I'm the (Very) proud original owner of a 92 W-250 Diesel-240K miles. Last June I was rear ended, and the rear of the frame was badly twisted. I've been looking for a frame or parts truck. Question is: My truck's frame has a much wider (taller) frame cross section Under the cab than at the front & rear ends 8" center vs 6" at ends. I also have a 1986 D-250 that has a 6" frame end to end. Is the heavier frame specific to 4x4, diesel, or 4x4 & diesel combo, or is it used across the board on 89-93 3/4 ton trucks?

 

[KOG]

The 8" frame appeared on 91. 5 3/4 and 1T D&W. I don't know if the D frame will take the W front end.

The weak section is 5" over the rear axle. I just finished welding 2x2x1/8 angle iron top and bottom on the center 2' of mine over the axle because the dump body tweaked the frame when I accidentally got 5400lbs of gravel on it. Raising the body to dump puts most of the weight on the rear of the frame. I've also got AirLifts mounted in the center of that kickup. The truck didn't like the combination of those things and I had to wedge it and use the backhoe to bring the back of the frame up to level again.

 

[JDancoe]

Thanks. I appreciate the input. Gives me a better idea what to look for. I really hope to restore the truck to original condition, but might do a flatbed. I so, I'll definately keep in mind your suggestion re: strenthening the rear of the frame.

 

[PToombs]

JD, isn't there a body and frame shop near you? Most have frame straighteners that can bend it back to where it was.

 

[BWJensen]

Or, come and get the '93 frame I have.

MADDOG

 

[KOG]

If you're not putting a dump on it I don't think the frame needs any more strength. And, depending on how bent yours is, it might make more sense to repair rather than replace.

 

[Simplysmn]

tHE d FRAME WILL HOLD THE W stuff trust me mine even went through a rollover accident and did not twist and my frame was a crewcab longbed frame started life as a D350 srw and is now w350 I would say find a good frame and just swap the stuff over that way in the process you could even blast the frame and coat it do it up nice . JMO

 

[mysteryman]

1st gen frame repairs and swaps

The frames from 72 threw 93 are basically the same at a glance but quite different if you look closely. .



The 8" (some were 7. 5") frame was used on all the cab/chassis models. It was also used on all the 1 ton pickups and select 3/4 ton trucks. .



Most of the 3/4 ton and all of the half ton's used the smaller 6" center frame.



The 1st gen diesels 89,90,91. 0 250, 3/4 ton used used the 6" frame but it was a bit heavier than the earlier gas version. You could order the 8" frame

if desired but most were called single wheel 350's rather than 250's



89,90,91. 0 350, 1 tons used the taller 7. 5 " to 8" frame. The 8" was a bit heavier than the earlier gas version. .



In 91. 5 the 8" frame was updated and is heavier than all the rest that came before it... This is hard to see with the naked eye. But quite obvious on the blueprints. It was updated and the 6" frame was discontinued due to breakage problems... in conclusion.....

All 91. 5, 92 and 93's 250's and 350 diesels used the SAME frame ...



The exceptions..... 2wd verses 4wd... . The frames are the same except for the front cross member's and spring hangers... .



Converting a 2wd frame to a 4wd frame is rather easy assuming that you have the 4wd engine cross member and 4 spring hangers...





Converting a 4wd frame to a 2wd frame is a whole lot of work !!!!! You have

to change the front cross member and the engine cross member. . Weld in the motor mounts. Mount the upper control arm brackets... . None of the holes will be pre drilled for you. You will have to drill them all yourself. . The tolerance for these holes is . 125 (1/8") on center . . If you miss the mark you may never get it to take a front end alignment or track properly...

I would not recommend doing a 4wd to 2wd frame conversion to a novice

or back yard mechanic. .



One last note..... If you need to replace an 89,90 or 91. 0 6" 250 diesel frame. And if you can not locate a diesel frame. . You can use an early 7. 5" 300 gas frame. . All the holes will line up for the most part...



Be sure to measure the wheelbase of the doner frame you buy...

Trucks that were sold as "cab/chassis" have longer frames than Pickup trucks.



And dually rear axles out of "cab/chassis" trucks are NARROWER than the dually rears out of pickup trucks. .



Dually rears out of "cab/chassis" CAN be used in most cases in single wheel pickup trucks. . You may need to change the gears to get highway speeds with the diesel. . 3. 55 to 1 ratio is the best choice for all around use when using stock size tires.



I hope this answers all the frame questions

I'm the (Very) proud original owner of a 92 W-250 Diesel-240K miles. Last June I was rear ended, and the rear of the frame was badly twisted. I've been looking for a frame or parts truck. Question is: My truck's frame has a much wider (taller) frame cross section Under the cab than at the front & rear ends 8" center vs 6" at ends. I also have a 1986 D-250 that has a 6" frame end to end. Is the heavier frame specific to 4x4, diesel, or 4x4 & diesel combo, or is it used across the board on 89-93 3/4 ton trucks?

 

[JDancoe]

Mysteryman,

Thanks a lot! Your detailed info and suggestions is just what I was looking for. Thanks also to all the rest of you guys who offered suggestions. I checked with one frame shop early on and got a "Yeah, I THINK we can get it back pretty straight" sort of an answer, and that's what started me looking for a frame. Maybe I'll check with a few more shops.

This is my first attempt to use the forums-it's really a neat experience! Sure beats having to "re-invent the wheel" when starting a new project. Happy Holidays to all. Jack

 

[Moab4x4]

frame swap

Hi Jack,

I completed a frame transplant last summer. My 92 W350 SRW blew its top and was pretty hammered. I found a sweet donor on this site actually that had a bent frame in the front courtesy of a drunk. I would not try to straighten the frame if you are going to USE the truck. That steel is a hi strength steel and if you read the FSM section on heat treating frame repairs, it isn't trivial to get that strength back.

My donor was a 93 LE W250 and everything bolted on. The only tricky stuff was my 92 was auto and I kept the 93 Getrag. The wrecked truck had bad front driveline and axle so I had to get a driveline put together. I had no idea that autos and manuals were different length and therefore put the Xfer case in a different spot. I had that DUH! look on my face when the driveshafts didn't fit.



I was happy with the frame swap. I painted the frame with Hammerkote and then just took the best of both trucks and put one together. Just like a 3-D jigsaw puzzle. (Did I mention that I really like my digital camera for remembering where everything was so I could put it back together?)



Good Luck and sorry to hear about the twisted metal.

Ken

 

[pepecat]

Thanks for the info, Mysteryman. I have been crawling under my 1989 D250 and my 1993 W250 and I see a huge difference between the sizes of the two frames... .