C-notch a step notch

[gringoloco]

OK. Fully prepared to be flamed and called ten kinds of dumbass, but I'd like to know pros/cons of trying this.

Keep in mind that the truck will see almost no load and very little tongue weight. Jetski at the most on a trailer. This will allow the step to be 2.5 inches shorter, therefore protrude into the bed 2.5" less.

This looks like a good idea and a bad idea at the same time to me. Comments/ suggestions/opinions/science backing up your comment/suggestion/opinion welcome.

-Chris

[67Fleet]

Well, the weakest point will definitely be the middle.... If you ever got rear-ended that thing would fold up like an accordian.

[Shane]

quick question ... why the C in the step? is the step not enough? if not, why not build the step just a bit taller?

not bashing ... just curious

[jimmydean]

I understand the idea, but I would agree that it would be the weakest link for sure.

I guess I'm old fashioned in the fact I use my truck as a truck, otherise I would have gotten a car. I have toys to haul and a horse to tow, so I need my frame as solid as possible.

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by Shane

quick question ... why the C in the step? is the step not enough? if not, why not build the step just a bit taller?

not bashing ... just curious

The idea is to have a shorter notch overall, therefore, less intrusion into the bed area.

Instead of an 8" notch, you could shorten it to 5.5 and still have the same axle clearance.

[Shane]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

The idea is to have a shorter notch overall, therefore, less intrusion into the bed area.

Instead of an 8" notch, you could shorten it to 5.5 and still have the same axle clearance.

Gotcha.

[smbrouss70]

Keep in mind that you still need clearance for the differential, not just the axle tubes. So if the thickness of the frame where the c-notch is (will be?) is less than the height from the top of the axle tubes to the top of the differential, the diff will hit the bed floor before you bottom out the notch. In my opinion just use rectangular tubing on the top side of the step notch that is just thick enough to allow for the diff.

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by smbrouss70

Keep in mind that you still need clearance for the differential, not just the axle tubes. So if the thickness of the frame where the c-notch is (will be?) is less than the height from the top of the axle tubes to the top of the differential, the diff will hit the bed floor before you bottom out the notch. In my opinion just use rectangular tubing on the top side of the step notch that is just thick enough to allow for the diff.

Yeah, I was thinking that as I was typing my last reply. Sounds like a solid plan.