The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Frame Boxing

I just picked up my second old truck, a 53 one-ton. My other love was my 63 stepside. Still miss that old girl. I have a few questions:

I'm not a huge fan of total customization, but does anyone recommend boxing the frame? Does anyone have any advice on this? I found a couple good articles about it on the 'net, but is it feasible on my '53 one-ton?

I do intend to put this truck back to work. Does anyone know the frame differences between a 'tonner and a half-ton? I would imagine the real difference is in the suspension an axles.

As far as the differences between the one ton and the half ton frames,they used the same cab and front sheetmetal,so the main differences would probably be in the rail dimensions (thickness,height,depth) and possibly wheelbase.
I don't think it'd be a good idea to box the frame rails,unless you plan to really thrash the truck. The frame should be plenty strong as is,(unless there's serious deep rust in it),and boxing it is a lot of work for the marginal benefit you'd gain. If you decide that's what you need,it'll stiffen the frame considerably,so it'll probably ride a little harsher and handle a little better. Without the built in flex,I think it'll also be more prone to stress cracking.You'll also need to re-route any wiring,brake and fuel lines that currently run inside the channels,and make surre to leave an access hole for any bolts that run through the frame,or at least spot weld the nuts to the inside of the frame so you can remove and re-install the bolts once the frame is closed in.
Personally,though,my vote would have to be-no,don't box it.
Speed

Unless you are planning to put a high HP/Torque engine in the truck or changing the suspension, boxing the frame is not necessary. The reason I boxed my frame was a result of both of these factors. Boxing makes the frame much more rigid but the stock leaf spring suspension needs the frame to flex with it.

The one ton frame and the half ton frame are quite different in dimensions and thickness. The one ton name is misleading in that the same frame was used for a 8800 lb GVW. You shouldn't have any problems hauling within the original GVW.

Boxing is done when installing extra power and modified suspension components. If you boxed part of the frame and used it for real hauling, the frame stresses would not be distributed as designed .

On the one ton frame the metal is thicker and rail cross section is larger. There is really no reason to box the frame unless you are going to really abuse the truck. If your concern is load carrying, I have hauled several 2 ton loads on my 3/4 ton. Overload springs don't load until about 1.5 tons. Just distribute the load properly, and slow down when going over major obstruction.

The Frame and the suspension is heavier-duty than a 1/2 ton.

The wheelbase is longer, too.

That's about it.

Different axles and 8-lug wheels, too.