top of the frame or bottom? i need help

SO IVE SEEN SOME FRAMES BUILT BY LAYIN NEW 2X3 INTO THE STOCK FRAME AND TACKING EVERYTHING TOGETHER N THEN CUTTING OFF THE STOCK FRAME ONCE YOU HAVE IT HOW YOU WANT, BUT MY QUESTION IS SHOULD I LET THE 2X3 REST ON THE BOTTOM OF THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME OR SHOULD I TACK IT TO THE TOP AND JUST CUT OFF THE BOTTOM SO I DONT HAVE TO RELOCATE THE BODY MOUNTS? I HAVE A 91 SINGLE CAB RANGER THAT IM GONNA STOCK FLOOR FROM THE FIREWALL BACK, IVE ALREADY GOT THE FRONT END PROBLEMS WORKED OUT TO LAY ON 20S SO PLEASE DONT MENTION DOING A YOTA CLIP ALONG WITH MY BUILD LOL, ALSO THIS IS MY FIRST FRAME BUILD SO ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED

I think that either way work. The only thing to consider is if you do it at the top, is there enough frame to get rid of to make it body dropped? And have you actually seen your frame with the cab off? It is the most wickedly crooked thing that has ever been built, I really don't know if this method would work at all with a ranger, seems like it would be easier to build a jig, lower the body mounts, and run completely new rails. Good luck on the projects, I love a laid out Ranger.               Toyota Front Clip.

Edited: 1/7/2009 4:37:20 PM by bagged85

 set the front clip were u want it, then build your rails to the rear section or backhalf.  there is a jillon rivets in the frame and you will never get the 2x3 flush enough. easier with a yota clip lol.  

i think this idea really works well on the toyotas. i dont know about anything else. i would jig it and build a frame.   and yeah it would be easier with a yota front clip. lol  

Bottom. You want to front suspension and x members to go up so you want your new rails to be on the bottom. It  may work the other way to on some trucks but that is just what I think

thanks guys i really appreciate the input, lol and damn james, always sayin i should do the yota clip haha...thanks for the input. anyone else got any info? or pics of this type of build?

Edited: 1/7/2009 6:55:23 PM by MagicMikey

u deffently want it to rest on the bottom. get the truck to lay on the wheels and tires u want then build the frame to rest on the bottom and let the cab come down oter wise u got make ur truck lay agin. make sure to leave room for the cab to slide down up frount at the fire wall. u proble have  to cut off the bottom of the frame so u can go straight back with a ranger frame i missed the clip part. i guess u could fit the clip part for layin on 20s  cause i cant go back up and look while i type. proble easier to do a jig. but i think that to put it onthe bottom would be best drop the cab and fit the new clip if you dont wana do a jig

i got plans for later doin a ranger so i wana see how this project  goes. i am wantin to do a jig on my friends ranger when time comes.

i just got done doing the same thing you asked but on a 95 i layed the tubing on the inside bottom and marked where the bends needed to be then i took them back out and cut slits in them so that when i laid them back in there they would bend to the curves then i held them in place with c-clamps and tacked the tubing where i cut the slits so that itll keep the bend then i took them out and fully welded them up and grinded the side that sat against the old frame rail so it would sit flat then you can fully weld them in then lower your body mounts according to how much of a body drop you want then cut  the top part off your old frame and your half way there any questions just ask ill be glad to help