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Air Ride Suspensions \  Metal for frames?? What to us?

Metal for frames?? What to us?

Air Ride Suspensions Q & A
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replies 27
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LittleShopLackey   +1y
3"x3" 1/4" wall
bdroppeddak   +1y
the only worries i hear from people (like race car guys, hotrod guys, etc) is the possiblity of the metal failing after flexing enough times, but i always think back to import truck frames most have fully boxed frames, and they are usually alittle over 2x4 1/8" wall and get smaller in some areas of the frame. my dodge had 2 1/2" squared tube with a 3/16" wall under the cab and 2x3 3/16" at the backhalf. drove it daily for about a year, about 12-14k miles, no troubles. just made sure to reinforce the areas at the front of the cab and the rear of the cab, those are the biggest flex areas as far as up and down flex.
dssur   +1y
Originally posted by bdroppeddak



the only worries i hear from people (like race car guys, hotrod guys, etc) is the possiblity of the metal failing after flexing enough times.

yes, and that is why overbuilding isnt such a great idea. Rigid frames have more stress on them. Rigid frames break at joints.

This is one of those arguments, people will say "never had a problem" and others will say "you shouldnt do this or that". Most arguments are based on feelings or are beyond a persons education on the subject.

My advice, as always, is read some books on chassis design, and dowhatchoolyke. Internet information is usually the worst resource.

stromad   +1y
What would you guys suggest for building a frame under and astro van?
wantmolo   +1y
i like that frame shoplacky looks real strong is it for a s-dime
gravity5   +1y
no its for his blazer...and 3x3 has far less flex than 2x3 with the same wall thickness...as well if you happen to have a rollbender in your town you can have the frame bent rather than pieced together to eliminate some if no all of the joints...that will lessen the chance of the frame breaking at the joints.......there was a post on s10 forums a while back that had a list with all of the tubing size and wall thickness and it gave their flex uner a 1000 pound load over 10 feet or something like that.....check it out.
chillnlikavilln   +1y
isnt a stock dime frame only like around 1/8to 3/16 .and that s only c channel.also as far as it breaking at seems the weld should be stronger than the the steel it is welding .the more rigid you build the frame is also gonna affect body work .compareing a racecar chassis to a frame for a truck is kinda apples to pears unless you are gonna build a racecar,that s just my opinion
smallz   +1y
Ive got a 97 Tacoma reg cab, v8 around 400 horse, and ive got a miller 210 welder what size tubing to you guys recommend? 2x3x1/4? im new to this so let me know