Streching a frame?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by 14er, Apr 27, 2012.

  1. 14er

    14er Bobtail Member

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    Apr 8, 2012
    Micco, Florida
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    What are the pros vs cons about stretching a frame. Taking into consideration that the company stretching the truck know what they are doing. And that it is the cheapest option for you because you just need another 12".
    Are there any companies that will not hire you on because your frame was chopped/stretched?
    I received two quotes both around $4000.00 guaranteed to be lazered and true.
    One wants to cut behind or below the sleeper and add plate there.

    The other wants to place plate on the end and move all the hangers back.

    which is the cleanest and best?

    Thanks and stay safe
     
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  3. Kujo

    Kujo Medium Load Member

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    Feb 6, 2012
    in the middle
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    What's your reasoning for doing it? The only reason I would is for a bigger sleeper. But stretched trucks ride a bit nicer. Downside if you get to big some companies have length restrictions but it doesn't sound like you are going to be worried about that. As for where in the frame I'm no expert but logic would say in the middle since it could be reinforced on booth sides of the extension instead of just one side.
     
    14er Thanks this.
  4. Crusty

    Crusty <b>Just Plain Crusty</b>

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    May 29, 2010
    Canton, GA
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    My vote is #2 method. IMHO.
     
    14er Thanks this.
  5. 14er

    14er Bobtail Member

    42
    1
    Apr 8, 2012
    Micco, Florida
    0

    I do not want to buy a new truck, I do want a sleeper bigger then 63 to 70" and I want to put a headache rack on. I have looked at many trucks and the ones that fall within the weight, sleeper size, engine, and tanks are just to short. Rather then buy new to order, I could spend 2k to 4k and be done. I have stretched them just behind the birth but I was wondering if anyone had stretched one behind the axles and then moved the axle and 5th wheel accordingly, sounds like alot more work but I was wondering if anyone had experience with it being truer
     
  6. 14er

    14er Bobtail Member

    42
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    Apr 8, 2012
    Micco, Florida
    0

    IMHO???? behind the birth or between the axles or behind the axles
     
  7. Flightline

    Flightline Road Train Member

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    Oct 1, 2011
    Almost There
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    Myself, I would look for a used truck with the frame/wheel base you need then change other things. There are plenty of lone wheel base used trucks for sale.
    Then you have stronger frame with out the added weight.
    The long wheel base trucks like mine(305") is a double frame front to back without ever being stretched.
     
    14er Thanks this.
  8. Crusty

    Crusty <b>Just Plain Crusty</b>

    345
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    May 29, 2010
    Canton, GA
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    Add on to rear of chasis and move axles back. Truck frames flex a great deal. The idea is to avoid interuption of the flexing action in the middle. I am assuming the shop that offered to do the rear addition will scab in a portion of a double frame configuration. (Like on readymix trucks and heavy dumps.)
     
    14er Thanks this.
  9. 14er

    14er Bobtail Member

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    Apr 8, 2012
    Micco, Florida
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    Yes, that is what has been told to me. Thanks for the info and confirmation!
     
  10. Highway Prisoner

    Highway Prisoner Bobtail Member

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    Mar 10, 2009
    The Left Lane
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    Drop the suspension, cut and weld in, roll the rear suspension back. Much safer to have the spliced in section also reinforced by the suspension. Even though it is backplated, it takes a lot of the load off of the frame splice, due to twist etc.
     
    BigBadBill, SHC and 14er Thank this.
  11. 14er

    14er Bobtail Member

    42
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    Apr 8, 2012
    Micco, Florida
    0
    We were looking at cutting in at the end of the suspension, just behind it, rolling it back and moving the 5th wheel back also. I assume that is what you were referring to.
     
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