Trying to lighten the truck, what can I do?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Loaderlou, Jul 31, 2021.

  1. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Hi friends. Is it possible to cut out the inside rail of a double rail frame. Without taking everything apart.
     
  2. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    No.

    Even if you did take it all apart and remove the inner rails you would likely run into massive alignment issues going back together since the outer rails would essentially be 1/2" or more closer together.
     
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  3. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    If it were possible to cut out the inner rail I would leave the critical pieces, as in the cross members and such, since you would have to make up that space anyway. It would have to be a very late model vehicle to avoid rust issues between the rails
     
  4. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    It would be impossible the cut out the inner rail without causing structural damage to the outer rail.

    Sounds like a good way to hack up a perfectly good truck to me.
     
  5. BigBob410

    BigBob410 Road Train Member

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    Even if it were possible how much weight would you lose? I doubt it would be worth the headache.
     
  6. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    I was just wondering if anyone has done it. I know you would have to be so precise and patient. Im looking at at late model tractor that is too long and heavy for what I do. I can get it shortened for 5k but still on the heavy side. Other than that it’s perfect for me and my physical ailments.
     
    BigBob410 Thanks this.
  7. Dave124

    Dave124 Light Load Member

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    Buy a different used truck that better fits your application? There are hundreds upon hundreds of good used trucks available.
     
  8. Dave124

    Dave124 Light Load Member

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    Buy a different used truck that better fits your application? There are hundreds upon hundreds of good used trucks available.
     
  9. Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    How much weight would be subtracted? If the inner rail is removed, don’t you need to replace the cross members with slightly longer ones?
     
  10. Caterpillar Cowboy

    Caterpillar Cowboy Heavy Load Member

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    Spec'ing used trucks is a pain.

    I'd keep looking for something closer to, or at least with the right bones, to what you need, then make it your own.

    You can change, customize, add, build, etc a lot of stuff on these, but in your situation if you are dead set on that truck and singling the frame out I wouldn't touch it unless you just slid new rails in.