need opinions on frame

[Aftermarketfreak96]

I have a 1987 chevy k10 and am in the process of sanding the frame and painting it, and when I removed the frame shackles they were somewhat pitted on the front two, and dented a little. On the drivers side frame rail where the shackle mounts, i hit it with a hammer a few times and it bulged in about a quarter inch or so(this area had a lot of rust flakes on the inside rails). So far we ended up hitting the dents out with a dead blow hammer to even them back out. On the far back passenger side it has rusted through, just below where the rear shackle mounts to the frame. I am going to have to buy new front and rear shackles but they cost about $350 for all four of them and will cut out and put new metal in the rusted out area, and plate the weak area on the drivers side. I am wondering if I should just get a different frame. I will be putting a 6'' suspension lift along with 37'' tires on it, and Im wondering if it will hold up with the extra stress that will be put on it.
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[79Betty]

I c-channeled my driver side front back shackle where it rusted through. Got new front 2 shackles for 20 bucks from a guy and put her together. About 6-7 months later ramped it a foot r 2 in the air and no problems yet!
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[Aftermarketfreak96]

Originally Posted by 79Betty

I c-channeled my driver side front back shackle where it rusted through. Got new front 2 shackles for 20 bucks from a guy and put her together. About 6-7 months later ramped it a foot r 2 in the air and no problems yet!
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Alright, I guess I'll just put reinforcement plates behind them. Are you running bigger sized tires or a lift on yours?
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[76stepsidechevy]

I'd cut out the rot and weld in new steel unless you can find a deal on a cherry frame. 350 bucks sounds like a lot for shackles also. I made a set for the front from 1/4" flat stock and found a good used set of rears from a member here iirc. I'd look into the shackle flips for the rear also. I've run a 6" with 37s with 6" rear springs and if I had it to do again I'd run the rear shackle flip and 2" springs for better ride quality and more flex.

[Aftermarketfreak96]

Originally Posted by 76stepsidechevy

I'd cut out the rot and weld in new steel unless you can find a deal on a cherry frame. 350 bucks sounds like a lot for shackles also. I made a set for the front from 1/4" flat stock and found a good used set of rears from a member here iirc. I'd look into the shackle flips for the rear also. I've run a 6" with 37s with 6" rear springs and if I had it to do again I'd run the rear shackle flip and 2" springs for better ride quality and more flex.

If I put the shackle on the rear wouldn't it be 2" higher in the back? I already have a 6" Rough Country all suspension waiting to be put on.
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[76stepsidechevy]

It's actually 4" higher, seeing as you already have the springs I'd just look for good used rear shackles or stock replacements. I think i paid 30 or 40 bucks for a good set, sandblasted/painted them and put new bushings in them. I would have just cleaned up my original ones but they didn't come out nicely.

[rs74]

Aftermarketfreak96, are you from Marion by chance? Had a guy call me from there about a frame that I have and said he had an 87 K10.

[Aftermarketfreak96]

Originally Posted by rs74

Aftermarketfreak96, are you from Marion by chance? Had a guy call me from there about a frame that I have and said he had an 87 K10.

Nope, I live in Boonville. It's located about 15-20 mins away from Evansville. Do you have an 87 frame for sale by a chance lol?
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[Aftermarketfreak96]

Originally Posted by 76stepsidechevy

It's actually 4" higher, seeing as you already have the springs I'd just look for good used rear shackles or stock replacements. I think i paid 30 or 40 bucks for a good set, sandblasted/painted them and put new bushings in them. I would have just cleaned up my original ones but they didn't come out nicely.

Yeah, I'll probably end up trying to find stock replacements, since I don't have that much left to lengthen my drive shafts and get them serviced.
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[rs74]

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