Real Short Bed Frame or Not?

[NotNuRodz]

Hi guys (and maybe gals?), I'm trying to determine if I have an original short bed frame or not. on the bottom half of the frame is looks like the back half of the frame could have been cut off then slid forward and riveted in place? Also in the the second picture you can see a line that looks like it could be a ground down weld. The last reason I think the frame may be cut down is because an unknown portion of the back was hacked off with a torch at some point.

When new, the truck was a service vehicle for a public school district. I was told it was ordered as a cab and chassis and then had a flat bed put on it. Also at some point someone started to hot rod the truck and put in a questionable amount of lowering blocks, just giving me another reason to think the frame was hacked up.

Let me know what you think. I just want to know I am working with a safe frame before I start digging into the truck more.

Thanks!
-Evan

[jocko]

I'd be surprised to hear of a service truck that was ordered without a bed for the purpose of having a flatbed added that was a swb. Does the truck have a SPID? I agree, something looks a little fishy! As for the lowering blocks, they gotta go (at least the additional ones)

[NotNuRodz]

The truck doesn't have the original glove box door anymore, so I don't have any original build information on the truck.

[Boog]

I don't think the frame is shortened. That riveted piece I believe is factory.
What bothers me more is the pieced together trailing arm and double lowering blocks. That probably puts the scrub line well below the 15" rim edge.

[projectking]

The riveted piece is a factory doubler to strengthen for the coils, looks like a factory short frame to me

[NotNuRodz]

Thanks guys! Don't worry about the double lowering blocks. Now that I am more confident that I have a factory short bed frame I can start ordering suspension upgrades.

[rockyrivermark]

Originally Posted by NotNuRodz

Thanks guys! Don't worry about the double lowering blocks. Now that I am more confident that I have a factory short bed frame I can start ordering suspension upgrades.

Typically the frame is cut under the cab or just behind it.
Not by the Rear wheels. Frame isn't straight there for re jointing they highly doubt they would rivet it.
Look under cab for a weld joint. Could have been ground smooth and painted so look in inside of the frame for weld or fishplate