Truck Frame Stretching

Thomas , I just bought this 1999 fld 120, My problem is I don't have any manuals or a code reader, How long have you owned yours? I have plans to change it over to a RV hauler. Will be more safe than those useless Pickups, the trailer will be a 36ft, 3 axle, 3 slide fifth wheel. Have you changed your HP setting, mine can be set to 430 0r 470 HP according to the data plate. Stretching it will be a major task, A million questions, but this truck is new to me.

 

There is a place in Phx called American Truck Salvage on Broadway. I have had good dealings with them over the past 20 years. They might be able to steer you toward a place to stretch the frame.

 

Do you have any idea what rear ends it has or the ratio? The dealer could probably tell you from the vin number of the truck.

 

I had my 244 wb Western Star streched to 296 wb. Just had it done, still haven't got the truck back together yet.

 

I like to make sure that they are double framed around the stretch if it has been stretched. Alot of people will stretch by adding on to the back of the frame and then they feel they don't need to add a sleeve since one axle is still on the original frame. If you decide to have it cut in fornt of the drives and have the tandems moved back then make sure they add a sleeve. It will need a extra carrier bearing added depending on the length of stretch. Peterbilt requires one at I think around the 300 mark. You are looking at 4-5 grand and up if you have a good shop do it. My truck has been stretched for about 10 years and it is sleeved around the stretch and done one of the right ways in my opinion and no cracks or problems at all. Plus the ride is great with it. Hope some of this helps.

 

A local guy here in Ontario did it for me. Truck also got painted with it as well. The total price for the job was $8000 but I doubt you'd get it that cheap if you painted your truck as well. He gave me a good deal cause we deal with him alot. He did an excellent job doing the stretch. he cut the frame in between the rear axles a moved the front rear to the rear axle holes and drilled new ones for the back rear axle. the truck is now double framed from the rear of the frame until a couple feet under the bunk