Need some vital help

[jrsmith_2010]

hey guys, i am in the processof bagging the rear of my truck, its an 83 longbed, and need to figure some stuff out. i need to make a notch, i am buying the square tubing from SD.com its cheaper, but i have no idea how far away from the axle i should cut the frame. then the fact of cutting the frame, whats the best way besides a tourch/plasma cutter? i have a anglegrinder with a cut off wheel on it, but will that work still? if u have pics of ur set up in the rear it would help me get a better visual. thanks in advanced!

[XXL]

The types of questions tell me you may want to do some more research before you compromise the integrity of your frame by chopping into it without a solid plan. The point over the rear axle on leaf spring trucks has a LOT of stress on it.

[smashingchuck]

Originally Posted by jrsmith_2010

but i have no idea how far away from the axle i should cut the frame.

What?

[jrsmith_2010]

i kno that i have to cut the frame to clear the axle with the notch, and dont kno how far to cut it for it to clear it

[smashingchuck]

Step 1. Lay notch on frame. Center it over tha axle.

Step 2. Weld notch to frame.

Step 3. Remove excess material. The amount of material removed will depend on the size of your notch.

Step 4. Reinforce where ever possible.

[jrsmith_2010]

ok thanks! what i was going to do was just cut the frame in half, then weld in the notch, then weld the other half in, but shorter, and now im glad i asked first! how high is your notch on yours?

[smashingchuck]

I believe I have a 10" notch but it might be less. I know it is more than enough for the tires I'm laying out on. My bump stops are inside the notch and are about 2" long.

You definitely don't want to cut the frame in half and try to reattach the rear section. That would be a real PITA. If you are going to use ***************** use the notch pictured below, it doesn't sound like you'll be up to making your own the first time around. Also make sure you are using a quality 220v welder.

http://www.*****************/notches/8-pc-step-notch-kit
[img]http://www.*****************/files/8-pcStepNotchKit.jpg[/img]

[lolife99]

Are you converting your long bed to a short bed in the process?

[jrsmith_2010]

well i have a 110v welder that i might just get it started so it will hold then take it like 2 miles away and have the body guy weld it better, saves me some money.

no im keeping it a longbed, always liked the look of a bagged longbed

[smashingchuck]

I don't think moving the frame with a notch tacked into place is going to be a very good move. Also, be sure you don't put any weight on the rear of the frame while you are working on installing the notch.

[jrsmith_2010]

ok, what i was thinking was making my own notch instead of buying the kit from SD for like $110, cant i just build one using this?
http://www.*****************/steel-tu...x-3-x-316-wall

[smashingchuck]

For one, that's not a big enough piece of tubing. For two, you've never done this before. For three, the frame isn't really a place where I would cut corners. Make sure when you start this project you have it in the shop where ALL fabrication will take place (the one with a real welder). Get it up on jack stands, and leave it there until it is done. If you are having trouble coming up with money to buy a properly built notch and to pay some one else to weld it in, it might be time to think about what you are getting into here. Most guys have thousands of dollars into their air ride systems, I know I do, and that's doing all the work myself. There is a ton of fabrication work involved, and alot more welding than just a notch, so don't get ahead of yourself. Buy some qulity parts from any of the vendors here, take your time, don't cut any corners, and use a decent welding machine.

[BACKYARD88]

Installing a home built notch is going to depend on a lot of variables. Tire/wheel size, axle placement, bag/shock placement etc. It's also imperative that all measurments be precise and your welding skills be on point. I'm not being negative, just make sure you are prepared to take on a task like this, cutting corners or not doing something properly could have a catastrophic end. Something as small as heat pulling the frame can cause all kinds of alignment issues. To add to the original question, my notch is 13" to the underside, enough room to run 3" exhaust over the axle with a 31" tire.

[jrsmith_2010]

well guys i have been bored at school so i have been doing some research, i found this for like $10 more then the SD notch, and its also a bridge kit, what do you think?

http://www.avsontheweb.com/product.p...cat=483&page=1

[N2TRUX]

I think you are much better off getting a pre-fabbed notch like that. SD should have one, but AVS also sells quality parts at a fair price.

[jrsmith_2010]

so that AVS one will work?

[smashingchuck]

Originally Posted by jrsmith_2010

so that AVS one will work?

Yes, it will work.