bent frame over the rear wheel

[lotsofmiles]

They guy that bought the stepchild had an 02 express van he had been rearended in.
I got it in the deal

He was sure there was something binding in the rear end because of clunking he heard trying to move it after the wreck.

tow truck came and dropped it at his house and he didnt try to move it again.

Ins co totaled it due to frame damage. Pass side frame is bent right where it starts to curve up to go over the axle, at the high point over the axle, and behind the axle where it straightens out.

I got it home today and it drove around my parking lot fine, but I did hear a clunk. It was the shock mount busted off at the top, so its just bouncing around...

So, can that frame over the wheel well be straightened a bit? Just enough to get it out of the floor of the van

I have a chain and a large oak tree...

These gas vans are all over cheap, its not worth spending big money on, but I wouldnt mind having it for a beater or drive it for a while with a for sale sign until I get a good enough offer

[x MadMAX DIESEL]

When did you sell your van? and why?

[McRat]

I've never straightened a frame, but here's what I'd do:

You'll need an anchor point to the ground. Maybe a couple Redheads in concrete?

Bunch of 2x6 or 4x6 pieces of wood for blocking, and some strong chain.

A 20 ton hydraulic bottle jack.

Chain the high point of the bent area, and put the jack at the last flat area before the bent starts. You'll probably have to block the suspension and for the jack. When you start to jack it up (yeah, jack it up, that's it!) it's either going to lift the nose of the truck, or pull out the anchor, or straighten the frame. Might help to get the bent area hot first.

[lotsofmiles]

Originally Posted by x MadMAX DIESEL

When did you sell your van? and why?

couple months back a friend of mine traded me a decent gas cargo van for my small cargo trailer and some equipment. So I had a good running van with no money out of pocket. loaded my equipment in it and had the dmax van sitting. then I snagged another express van for parts. couldnt really justify keeping the dmax van as a toy with work and $ as tight as they are. put one ad on craigslist figured I'd 'try' to sell it. One ad, no pics, no phone number because I didnt want to start rumors I was going out of business. It sold, and I still cant believe it.

Originally Posted by McRat

I've never straightened a frame, but here's what I'd do:

You'll need an anchor point to the ground. Maybe a couple Redheads in concrete?

Bunch of 2x6 or 4x6 pieces of wood for blocking, and some strong chain.

A 20 ton hydraulic bottle jack.

Chain the high point of the bent area, and put the jack at the last flat area before the bent starts. You'll probably have to block the suspension and for the jack. When you start to jack it up (yeah, jack it up, that's it!) it's either going to lift the nose of the truck, or pull out the anchor, or straighten the frame. Might help to get the bent area hot first.

sounds like I should have a camera rolling too.
Thanks, that might do it.

[lotsofmiles]

Originally Posted by McRat

I've never straightened a frame, but here's what I'd do:

You'll need an anchor point to the ground. Maybe a couple Redheads in concrete?

I prefer blondes


cant believe I missed that this morning

[lotsofmiles]

I've got a 3 post metal thing in the ground at my shop. One of thos parking stoppers so people dont crash into the building. I think I'll attach the chain, heat the frame, and floor the gas pedal. Sounds good now, but I've had a beer.














or more

[TheBac]

You better have video of THAT. Make sure you have a long enough chain so you can get a good head of steam going.

[dmaxvaz]

I WOULD TAKE IT TO A FRAME SHOP AND PAY THEM AN HR OR TWO FOR PULLING THE FRAME. HEATING IT WOULD NOT BE GOOD FOR THE FRAME ANYWAYS, GOOD LUCK IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CHOOSE TO STRAIGHTEN THE FRAME.

[McRat]

Originally Posted by dmaxvaz

I WOULD TAKE IT TO A FRAME SHOP AND PAY THEM AN HR OR TWO FOR PULLING THE FRAME. HEATING IT WOULD NOT BE GOOD FOR THE FRAME ANYWAYS, GOOD LUCK IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CHOOSE TO STRAIGHTEN THE FRAME.

I don't think he wants to spend money on it.

Heating a frame is not going to hurt it. You might not know this, but some folk actually weld frames, and I don't mean cold welding either; they use really hot temperatures. So hot you can't touch it with your bare hand, so it is always a good idea to use gloves when welding. Don't try to cool the welded areas with gasoline either.

On second thought, perhaps this would be a "Do Not Try This At Home" kinda thingy until Mattel makes a Kenner's Easy Bake Oven large enough to fit a truck in.

[lotsofmiles]

tried the metal 3 post parking stopper thingy. both the van floor and the parking stopper were moving.


I need to find something to secure it to the ground with.




Hey, where did that banks intercooler for an lbz come from?
musta come with the van, and thats all I know

[jgs11]