Truck Frame Stretching

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by thomas, Jan 1, 2009.

  1. thomas

    thomas Light Load Member

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    Jun 29, 2007
    Athens,Al.
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    Has anybody had this done or know anything about doing it? Price? Thanks for any help.
     
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  3. 13letter

    13letter Light Load Member

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    Oct 19, 2008
    Fulton, IL
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    Really depends on the shop. There is a right way to do it and plenty of wrong ways.
    Have seen some ugly results. Around here, there is a really good place thats been doing them for years. Can't exactly remember the cost there. $1500-$2000 though I think. Heard of $3000 and up though, too. Remember, the driveshaft and all lines and wiring needs to be lengthend also. Make sure the shaft gets done right
     
    Intothesunset Thanks this.
  4. thomas

    thomas Light Load Member

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    Jun 29, 2007
    Athens,Al.
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    Yea I too have seen some real good ones and some bad ones. I have been thinking about doing it since I bought the truck. I has a 232" wheelbase.I think if I could get 38" to 48" added to it I would get a lot better ride out of it.
     
  5. 13letter

    13letter Light Load Member

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    Oct 19, 2008
    Fulton, IL
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    232" with a setback axle though makes a difference. Make it longer it will ride better but turn a lot worse. My 250" has the same back of cab to pin as many 265" trucks. Think about putting 3 foot in it til I get in a spot it wont move around in as it is. Still, would be nice, and I know it would ride better. And look goooood! Happy New Year there!
     
  6. pullingtrucker

    pullingtrucker Road Train Member

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    Dec 21, 2008
    Fostoria, Ohio
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    I've streched three trucks with my old man to put garbage packer units on them. My suggestion would be that if your only doin it for the ride quality...don't bother. But like I said thats my opinoin.
     
    Dominick253 Thanks this.
  7. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    6,135
    Jul 22, 2008
    Owensboro , KY
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    A good shop will charge $4,000 to $8,000 depending on the length of stretch . Frame and Spring Inc. in Columbus , OH has 50 years experience but I'm not familiar with any shops in your area .
     
    BoxCarKidd Thanks this.
  8. 1999blue

    1999blue Light Load Member

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    Dec 27, 2008
    quartzsite,AZ
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    I just bought the same truck as yours, I want to stretch it to accommodate a 16.5 ft box behind the cab, box will be used for hauling my Corvette. Truck would end up 35ft long. I know I will have to install a carrier baring and two drive shafts, I'm dropping out the forward axle as the truck will be used for towing a 35ft three axle fifth wheel RV trailer. I would hope someone who has done this before would share their information, I have seen several of these rigs in the past. I'm looking for someone who knows where I can sell the axle I'm taking out, Phoenix area.
     
  9. Waterloo

    Waterloo Medium Load Member

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    Nov 16, 2008
    Grass Lake, MI
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    Give some of the big truck dealers a call up in Phoenix. The Pete dealer should have an idea, or get you in touch with someone that can help.

    Mike
     
  10. lostNfound

    lostNfound Road Train Member

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    Jun 28, 2007
    Home of the Stampede
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    I went the opposite route ... I had to shorten mine (244" WB in Canada), but the same concerns apply. Look for a reputable shop that does dump box installations. Talk to some of their customers and see if you can get a look at some of their work.
     
  11. Mack185

    Mack185 Medium Load Member

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    Feb 25, 2008
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    My boss in Ga had an 1985 Pete with a big grain body on it shortened to take a dump body. He also had one of his tractors he uses for his lowboy lengthened. I'll call him up and ask what shop did it because they did great work and metro-Atl isn't too far of a drive for you.
     
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