Should I Z my frame? ?

Ok. . Speedster, Mikey, Flameds10, JMZ, Sleepy, Tre5, and anyone else who has an opinion. . (which is everyone )

My truck isn't layin frame up front cuz of the engine crossmember. . I've read that its a 1/2" lower than the rest of the frame. . And I have enough room in the engine compartment to run 225/35/20 tires. . And I'd like to do that instead of runnin 30 series. . But it wouldn't lay on 35s. . It'd barely lay on 30 series. . And I don't like FULLY collapsing the bag. . I'd like a lil room left, ya know? ? So I'm thinkin I should Z the front. . maybe an inch? ? What do you guys think? ? Is this a good option? ? It'd get the crossmember off the ground and give me room to tuck the 35 series tires. . . What ya think? ?

-Josh

You left me out.... what you don't love me??? J/K

Yes the front crossmember is 1/2 lower than the frame. You could either z it an inch or cut 1/2 out of the crossmember. I'd say just cut it an make a new one (thats just my opinion). I'm running my super swappers that are 35 series and I'm just going to cut my crossmember and make a new one.

Hmmm...I don't know that it would raise the Xmember. As when you generally Z the front you are pretty much only moving the suspension not the actual location of the motor/tranny/ and rest of the drive line. I would cut the bish out and make your own. Or do the crazy thing and drag it off...LOL

Or talk to Seth. I know he makes a Killer one for the Yotas I believe. His shit is bullet proof to so you wouldn't have to worry about it breaking or not working. He would need some damn good measurements though if he didn't have a front clip.


Seth you there buddy? Can you chime in?//////

ummm, thats a NO on draggin it off. . hahaha. .

And if I did Z it, Jeff, I would cut it at the firewall and behind the core support, so therefore the whole piece of frame where the control arms would be raised. . engine crossmember and engine mounts as well. . .

And I'm considering Zing it because it'd solve 2 problems, not jus the crossmember sittin too low. . . If that was my only problem, I would probably make a new one, but the bag is completely compressed and would barely lay with the 30 series tires. . . And I have room under the hood to run 35s. . so I'd like to. . but I'd have to Z it. .

-Josh

And Jeff, you should know, I only like makin my own stuff

I dont want a whole front frame clip. . . jus raise the middle section of the front clip

-Josh

Hmmmm....would you lower your motor?

Oh wait you are doing a swap so it wont really matter then......

I know you are swapping the motor, but I would want to consider the height of the motor before you go and Z it. I know that with mine, the breather on top of the valve cover is a mm away from hitting the hood. I also had to swap out the air cleaner on the weber for the shorter one. All this and my motor is lower 1". Now go and Z the frame up 1" and I am in trouble with the hood clearance. I am not sure what the height of yours is, but that would me My first concern. Right now, mine is still stock and does hold the frame off a little. I am planning on making a new one eventually. It is being dragged now though. Don't give me a rash of $hit now, it's not like I am dragging the poop out of it or anything.

Dude you drag that beauty?! Friggin Awsome built to drive and enjoy I love it...

Sorry for the jack.

I would Z the suspension part ONLY and then fab your own stronger kooler looking X member. That would be a shit ton less work. And still look friggin rad. You may even be able to bring the suspension inwards an extra 1/2"

Yep, I drive it some. I am planning on driving it more and more. Workin some kinks out.

The problem with raising the front end is that the motor mounts are right in between the upper arm mounts. The only way to raise the stock crossmember would be to cut and section the lower mounts only. Now that would bring the lower arm mounts up as well as the crossmember. The issue is still the motor though. The oil pan will be in the way of raising that stock crossmember up more than 1" if the motor is in the stock location. Since you are body dropped over 3" you may have to do something to the hood either way.