Need advice on frame

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Tama Mai Hawaii Nei, Mar 21, 2019.

  1. Tama Mai Hawaii Nei

    Tama Mai Hawaii Nei Light Load Member

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    I wanted some advice from other owner-operators instead of a mechanic. I'm about done with dealing with know it all mechanics that can't properly diagnose or fix anything.

    Here is what I am dealing with. I jackknifed my truck in doing so the trailer caught the frame bent the driver's side. The frame is still straight past the bend but the frame is twisted where the trailer caught it.

    Can I just heat that portion and bend it back in place? Alignment is still good nothing past the end there is twisted or kinked. I was thinking I could bend it back into place and reweld a few pieces of metal back on. Freightliner 10.jpg
     
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  3. Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    That doesn’t look like a big deal, I would try using a come along and BFH
     
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  4. Hulld

    Hulld Road Train Member

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    F7C960E1-D26F-4AD7-905A-FE1B2F6ECBEE.jpeg
    Use a porta power pull cylinder like this.
    Doesn’t look like a big deal.
     
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  5. cjb logistics

    cjb logistics Heavy Load Member

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    Go to a professional, you cannot heat, weld, or drill on a frame rail, useless certified.

    Have I added a new tool box, blower, etc; yes, but talked with manufacture to see proper placement and spacing from flange of holes to be drilled.
    I don't even like to burn off huck bolts, rather split them with grinder then power chisel.

    Or use porta power like above op says.
     
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  6. Chebbydriver7195

    Chebbydriver7195 Light Load Member

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    Go to a shop that specializes in frame work. They should be able to fix it and brace it if need be. You could bend it back but I wouldn't heat it and I'd be careful of cracks.
    I straightened the frame on an old truck with a torch, hammer and a home made press. It felt good until I plowed into a ditch while hunting and it folded in half.
     
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  7. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    Any good frame shop can make that straight again. With out heat. Dont heat it you will take the temper out of the steel.
     
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  8. DL550CAT

    DL550CAT Road Train Member

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    If it’s all behind the suspension then yes you can heat and beat. Be mindful of air and electric lines. The air bags as well.
    I’ve been told you should always disconnect the batteries before welding but I never do. I can’t see it doing anything other than isolating the batteries. Keep your ground clamp near to where you are working and make sure it has good contact.
     
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  9. 6wheeler

    6wheeler Road Train Member

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    Sure you can. Remember when stretched cabovers were popular?
     
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  10. Freightliner Classic

    Freightliner Classic Light Load Member

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    you can heat the frame and bend it but aslong as if isn't farther than a foot from the back dont worrie about it
     
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