Z frame question - Yes, another one! :)

[Realnoisy]

So far I have sectioned my xmember 1.5, 2.5 dropped spindles and bags on my 65' LWB. I'm currently laying xmember but I have to go lower! I know I could purchase a PB dropped member but I choose not to go that route. I have read tons of Z framing threads but haven't located any threads that describe how to go about it. What I'm looking for is how to raise the frame rails after cutting the frame. Do you just put a floor jack under the xmember and jack it up? To me that is asking for trouble if it should move the slightest. I could be wrong, and that is the way to go, but I want to keep movement minimal. Or would one jack the entire truck up and lower the rear after the cut. Any and all suggestions are very much appreciated. Thank you!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Realnoisy

So far I have sectioned my xmember 1.5, 2.5 dropped spindles and bags on my 65' LWB. I'm currently laying xmember but I have to go lower! I know I could purchase a PB dropped member but I choose not to go that route. I have read tons of Z framing threads but haven't located any threads that describe how to go about it. What I'm looking for is how to raise the frame rails after cutting the frame. Do you just put a floor jack under the xmember and jack it up? To me that is asking for trouble if it should move the slightest. I could be wrong, and that is the way to go, but I want to keep movement minimal. Or would one jack the entire truck up and lower the rear after the cut. Any and all suggestions are very much appreciated. Thank you!

Easier to move the smaller piece (the front section) vs the remainder of the truck chassis. Some type of temporary frame jig to ensure squareness & keeping things level is better than just doing a balancing act on a floor jack.

[Realnoisy]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Easier to move the smaller piece (the front section) vs the remainder of the truck chassis. Some type of temporary frame jig to ensure squareness & keeping things level is better than just doing a balancing act on a floor jack.

Thanks SCOTI..that's a great idea! I read a post someone wrote about using a 1 inch thick board and placing 4 scissor jacks on each corner and then placing 4 jack stands on top of each of scissor jacks with the board between. I wish I could see a photo of this because I just can't seem to visualize. I think a jig is the way to go.

[reaper71]

hey i was going through the new stuff today and saw this and wanted to give my 2cents worth..
i have a 52 chevy A.D. and i Z'd mine 4 inches i used adjustable stantions witch i made from 2x2x1/4 tube and welded a nut and washer to the bottom then used a 3" long bolt as the adjuster i also welded a washer to the head of the bolt to keep i flat on the floor...so now you tack the "stantions" to your frame with them on the floor cut your frame and adjust as needed, i have used these things several times and work awesome weather your Zing a frame welding in 4-bar setup whatever here is a couple pics any ? let me know

Mark...

[oldman3]

here is one more off dads pics this was used for holding the frame/car off the ground and we cut the old stubb off and slid the new stubb back on, also for keeping things in order use a paint marker to mark around the washer to keep the measurements the same if using them for wheelbase..

[Realnoisy]

Originally Posted by reaper71

hey i was going through the new stuff today and saw this and wanted to give my 2cents worth..
i have a 52 chevy A.D. and i Z'd mine 4 inches i used adjustable stantions witch i made from 2x2x1/4 tube and welded a nut and washer to the bottom then used a 3" long bolt as the adjuster i also welded a washer to the head of the bolt to keep i flat on the floor...so now you tack the "stantions" to your frame with them on the floor cut your frame and adjust as needed, i have used these things several times and work awesome weather your Zing a frame welding in 4-bar setup whatever here is a couple pics any ? let me know

Mark...

I haven't seen anything like this mention in any threads and thank you so much for posting. It's a great idea and it looks like you have the control and accuracy I'm looking for when I make my cuts and raise. I hope others will post their creative ways of raising the rails when they z'd. Thank you so much Reaper71 and Oldman3!

[reaper71]

You got it brother! any other questions just ask..
happy trucking...


Mark...