How to Strenghten your frame when C-Notching.

[grs]

I drew a template up, and had a machine shop make me two of them. They are 1/4th inch thick. I will weld them to the c-notch, and then bolt the c-notch the frame. Do you think the c-notch should also be welded to the frame? The truck is an 87.

[bark]

I think if you put the plate on the out side of the frame, and bolt threw sandwiching the frame it self you should never have any issues. I wouldn't weld the notch to the frame, when ever you weld you change the structue of the steel, it crystalizes it, and it could possibly crack beside it. I know lots of people that just put the notch and thats all.

[grs]

Originally Posted by bark

I think if you put the plate on the out side of the frame, and bolt threw sandwiching the frame it self you should never have any issues. I wouldn't weld the notch to the frame, when ever you weld you change the structue of the steel, it crystalizes it, and it could possibly crack beside it. I know lots of people that just put the notch and thats all.

Thanks, you may have a good point. I may do just that.

[N2TRUX]

This post in our FAQ Forum might be of interesting to you- Frame Notch Based On Strength

[tc4x4]

Nice link! That last option that he did up, would make me feel a lot better about keeping the frame stronger than stock.

[grs]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

This post in our FAQ Forum might be of interesting to you- Frame Notch Based On Strength

My c=notch goes on top, on the side, and under the bottom of the truck frame. It is bolted on the sides, and on the bottom. The added piece will be bolted on the side of the c=notch. I may weld it to the side of the c-notch. How much strength will this add? The most I would ever haul would be a couch. I am saving the cut off pieces of the frame in case someone wants to convert it back to stock.

[Moostifer]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

This post in our FAQ Forum might be of interesting to you- Frame Notch Based On Strength

regarding the link above... lakeroadster is showing a downforce to the end of the frame rail using FEA. Like he stated, this implies a load that would be simular to towing something or putting a load of something on the end of the bed, and i'm shure he is spot on saying to use the mitered 1/4" wall tubing.

But, what I would like to know is... how much force (lbs) is he applying to get that deflection in order to show the stress percentage? Plus, it would be interesting (to me at least) to see the stress values as the force is applied, say at 25%, 50%, 75% & 100% of total wt. And, how much weight would it take to cause failure?

Also wouldn't mind seeing some FEA using upforces.

[dv8customs]

The plates you had cut are not needed. Use them if you like, but you don't need them.

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by Moostifer

regarding the link above... lakeroadster is showing a downforce to the end of the frame rail using FEA. Like he stated, this implies a load that would be simular to towing something or putting a load of something on the end of the bed, and i'm shure he is spot on saying to use the mitered 1/4" wall tubing.

But, what I would like to know is... how much force (lbs) is he applying to get that deflection in order to show the stress percentage? Plus, it would be interesting (to me at least) to see the stress values as the force is applied, say at 25%, 50%, 75% & 100% of total wt. And, how much weight would it take to cause failure?

Also wouldn't mind seeing some FEA using upforces.

I wonder if the bed being bolted down would add any strength to it.
Posted via Mobile Device

[dv8customs]

Originally Posted by J Knight

I wonder if the bed being bolted down would add any strength to it.
Posted via Mobile Device

Short answer would be no. Most of the force would transmit to the floor of the bed and that isn't going to help you with regards to stiffness.

[Tom]

I've loaded my old 79 which was c-notched with almost 2500lbs in the bed with no problems. I've had 2 sportbikes in the bed of my 98 along with towing a trailor with another couple of sportbikes at the same time [and done this multible times] with no problems. Also had two sportbikes in the bed while towing two 3 person/ 4 stroke sitdown jetskis on possably the heaviest 2jetski trailor ever made [man I hated that thing] again without issues over the years. These are all bolted on c-notches with no reinforcment. Why exactly do you feel the need to reinforce the c-notch?

[grs]

I wanted to reinforce the frame a little, because it is a little weaker with the c-notch.

[piecesparts]

I have run a C-notched frame in my truck for several years. I have hauled engines and trannies in the bed and had no issues with the frame. My C-notch parts came from a reputable supplier and they were more than enough to handle daily use. I did not add any more metal to the process. Please use the extra if you desire, but in reality, you won't need them.

[grs]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

I have run a C-notched frame in my truck for several years. I have hauled engines and trannies in the bed and had no issues with the frame. My C-notch parts came from a reputable supplier and they were more than enough to handle daily use. I did not add any more metal to the process. Please use the extra if you desire, but in reality, you won't need them.

Thanks. I had the plates made so I will use them. I just feel better with the extra strength.