Thread: vertical holes in 2x4" frame?

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i need to drill four 1/2" holes all the way through my 2x4 frame
top to bottom.
there will be bolts going through to hold the cab of my truck to the frame.
will that weaken my frame considerably?

I would drill them bigger and weld sleves in them then it won't collapse the frame when tightening the bolts

Originally Posted by cffisher

I would drill them bigger and weld sleves in them then it won't collapse the frame when tightening the bolts

i have these plates that are 2" x about 6" 1/4 inch steel plates i am using for washers

Originally Posted by billy zz

i have these plates that are 2" x about 6" 1/4 inch steel plates i am using for washers

I'd say the plates will work to spread the load, but sleeves would be better. You can even cut the sleeves to length matching the frame height, and then just weld them on the bottom if you're not pulling the body. Welding top & bottom would be best, but I'd think just welding them on the bottom will work. If you're doing this w/o removing the body, maybe drill your 1/2" hole from body through frame, then ream out the hole on the bottom of the frame to let the sleeve pipe fit, butting it up to the inside top of frame, aligning it with your bolt, and tack the bottom? Then pull your bolt for a full penetration weld on the bottom, grind it flat and you're done? Just a thought.

A thought for you-----------Truck frames are marked all over not to drill holes in flanges as it will weaken them tremendously----------could you weld an angle bracket to the 2x4 and bolt the body to it????????????

Why not drill your holes thru the top of the 2x4 and weld nuts in. Thats how I did my coupe when I built the frame for it