Front End Frame Work

[jkdillard]

I recently purchesed a 85 I6 that had been wrecked in the front. The frame is bent where the core support would bolt on. My question is can i do the work to bend it back out or should I take it to the pros. If i can do the work my self then how hard would it be. Thanx in advance

 

[BLADE262US]

If its just bent in I would get a measurement off a good one so you know how far it has to be bent back then id chain off the good side to a big tree and then hook a strap to the bent side farthest forward you can go and have a buddy slowly pull it back out while you supervise to make sure it dont go too far . Just go a little bit them measure . All the pros are goona do is strap it to a big metal frame and pull it back the same way . Hope that helps /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Shadow_D]

Welcome to the Zone! >

First off I would NOT recommend using the method Blade is describing as it could get very ugly very fast. (Sorry Blade)

He has the right idea though, If you have 2 big trees you can strap to you should use a come-a-long rather that another vehicle as you can be more precise with the movement.

(Something to keep you safe is to put an old coat or blanket on the cable just in case it breaks! The recoil could mame or even **** you if you get hit by it!)

If you don't have a come-a-long then see if you can borrow one from a friend or maybe if you can get your hands on a "Hi-Lift" jack you can use that. You are still going to need 2 trees.

If you can't get any of the tools then you might be better off letting the "Pro's" do it but be warned it will cost you more money then to go buy any of the tools I mentioned.

Good Luck

Darrin

 

[jkdillard]

Thanx Guys. I have a High Lift Jack so thats not a problem. The problem I'll have is finding the trees. In Alaska the trees don't get very big because they always get uprooted from the snow. I'll see what i can come up with.

 

[Justshootme84]

THe last time I used my HiLift jack, the handle about took my left ear off, and made me see stars!!! If only one side of the frame horn is bent and the bend is only right on the end where the core support mounts, you might fix it using the jack between the frame ends. A large sledgehammer may also straighten the end back out. Heating up the framehorn with an oxyacetylene torch will help. A come-along may be useful if you have a good anchor point to hook it to. If the damage is further back, nearer the front axle mounts, I would be more skeptical about a self-repair job, since you can affect the alignment or crack the frame. IF the wreck was bad enough, it may have cracked the frame at the front crossmember mounts or the steering gear box mount so check those areas closely.

 

[jkdillard]

Thanx for the help