Thread: Boxing a frame ???

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Hey guys ,
I know this question has been asked a million times but its here again . What I'm building this time is a 36 1/2 ton Chevy low cab pickup with a stock frame (the frame is in really nice shape) I changed to a transverse spring and haipins and I'm going with a drag link set up for steering , I'm going to run a stock 302 with a 4 barrel (motor is out of a crown vic) and a T5 tranny (yes a Ford in a Chevy) . Soooo now the question should the frame be boxed , I've searched everywhere and it seems its 50/50 on the answer . I found that some guys say that the old stovebolt truck frames are strong enough without boxing and that boxing them sometimes does more harm than good . I don't want to kill the frame , but I really want to be SAFE while driving .
Let me know what you guys think , I'll be watching .

Cool choice of parts! Ford in a chevy will be different! I'd vote for boxing the frame. An old truck frame is still an OLD frame. The additional torque of the SBF I believe warrants the added strength of boxing. Oh, and we LOVE pics around here! Kinda an unwritten rule! LOL... Start a build thread and it adds to the fun! Glad to see you here!

That was my thoughts that it's still an old frame and should be boxed. And yeah I have a ton of build pics but I have dial up and by the time I get them loaded the truck will be done and I'll already be through my first set of tires .

Rocky,

I'm with 34_40. Box it just because it's getting the small block and street use. I boxed my 36 Low Cab. Should be pictures in my profile. It seems I bought the boxing plates from Street Rod Engineering just to speed things up. Looking forward to seeing your build!

David

I would also box it. Your statement about the first set of tires cements that in.

Well I guess that answers my question so I'm going to box it , you just never know when that 302 may magically decide to turn into a stroker . I'll try and post some pics of my build in progress during the week and let you guys see what I'm into .
Thanks for the response.
Rocky

Scratch what I said. I got the boxing plates from Progressive Automotive. They have the full boxing plates. SRE just has the fronts.

David

Originally Posted by Rocky72

Well I guess that answers my question so I'm going to box it , you just never know when that 302 may magically decide to turn into a stroker . I'll try and post some pics of my build in progress during the week and let you guys see what I'm into . Thanks for the response. Rocky

That's where I'm at also, just got it on the road and now I want to go with 331 or 347 stroker!

Originally Posted by 34_40

That's where I'm at also, just got it on the road and now I want to go with 331 or 347 stroker!

I have a 347 stroker in my 32 and I love it . It makes that little coupe go down the road with no problem , and quick too.

Originally Posted by Rocky72

I have a 347 stroker in my 32 and I love it . It makes that little coupe go down the road with no problem , and quick too.

OK, So now I'm jealous! LOL...

Whatcha got in that old 1969 Mach I, Rocky???

Originally Posted by vara4

Whatcha got in that old 1969 Mach I, Rocky???

Vara4 , its a factory 390 with a 4 speed it was an automatic but someone put the 4 speed in before I owned it . Still has factory interior , a/c , tach , and a clock that still works , I've owned the car for 25 + years.

I would definitly box it, old truck frames were designed to twist on the old roads, stiffening it will make the suspension work much better.