Scout p/b conversion: P/B flex -

[The Heavy Chevys]

Just installed a Scout P/B on a stock frame, Welded in a .250 thk scab plate with reinforcing pipe through the frame for support. while doing a final check noticed that the box moves slightly from side to side when turning the wheel at rest. The first time I did this conversion was on a custom box frame and the box was rock solid and didnt flex. I cant see why it wouldn't flex on a stock frame a little anyway since the way its mounted and using a 9inch scout arm. Just wondering if anyone who did this before noticed this flex. I have some ideas to totally eliminate this but don't want to waste the time if its not needed.

I'm concerned about fatiguing the frame in that area after time and off road usage right now Im having second thoughts. Any comment appreiciated

 

[Poser]

If it is not tight, it will fail, period.


Good luck!


-Steve

 

[The Heavy Chevys]

Its toght like a tiger. its flex is around .125 of an inch each way and its the frame that twists slightly with the box, Its tight to the frame rail. Does yours flex alittle? Oh and thanks for the reply man!

 

[nuclearlemon]

did you box both sides of the frame? if you only boxed where the box is, the other side may allow some flex. what kind of condition is the frame in?

 

[The Heavy Chevys]

I added the scab plate to the inside of frame rail and added the pipe through the frame and welded it top and bottom I even added some angle iron for support at bottom for unknow reasons,(it cleaned up the look i guess) the frame is mint and i just put in a new front cross-member, its all sound, Its twisting Slightly not much but its there. the stock frame wall thickness is thin anyways, Im just not sure if this is normal or not, and theres nobody around here thats even seen a Scout conver. except on my custom which is a box frame, I only have saginaw box conversions for reference, from past jobs, its more common around here. Thanks Guys for posting so fast, this Is my first time on here. Its nice to have some support from other cruisers. Thanks again

 

[Poser]

the stock frame wall thickness is thin anyways..

Well here goes your support...


Thin? Rusted to s*** maybe then they are thin, but 3/16" thick is not "thin"...


I would look at trying to make a brace that helps support the box....

Can you put a clamp on the lower part, like the sag boxes, and then run that accross to another frame section?

Not Scout, but you may get the idea...

http://www.mindcrater.com/Galleries-2003/Gallery_25Oct03/pages/ShopKam10-25-03-29.htm


Good luck!


-Steve


Oh, and why did you go scout?

 

[The Heavy Chevys]

Ya thanks for that link, I have those parts on hand to it BUT I havent done anything different than anyone else has for this conversion, Again the frame is mint, new crossmember and its looks brand spankin', Did you do this conversion before? I just want to know if anyone has, does it move slightly, NOBODY has mentioned this before that i have seen, I just dont understand if this install the way Ive seen it done in post reseach has a flaw like that (flex) then why would people post it and not mention an added support. If you were to add another scab plate to the outside of the frame the box wouldnt fit without widdling the shock mount into a toothpick. Thats what the pipe that goes throught the frame is suppose to make up for and it does. Im beating this horse to death lol sorry.
The reason for going scout is for the 3 and 4 link suspension that is being installed. The frame rails that stick out past the cross-mem will be cut back to it and then the bumper installed this increases approach obviously, also the scout box and pump are used with original lines which cuts costs a little and its easier to replace the parts, the arm is LONG which is REAL nice for wheelin (2 turns L to R) and is very powerful, the pump also has a stock small dia pulley that is nice at low rpm's.

 

[Poser]

The two that I have looked at and messed with did not have any slop in them at all...


Good luck!


-Steve

 

[The Heavy Chevys]

Great,
Im going to add a support but the damn thing SHOULDNT move lol.

Thanks Poser.

 

[Mark W]

I use a 3/4 inch plate on the outside of the frame, from top to bottom, and bolt to that. No bolts through the frame, tubes or plates on the other side. Scout and FJ60 boxes. No flex on any of them.

 

[woody]

mine moves a little...always has..... .125 is about right, been doing that for 8+ years, 2 different frames, sleeved, plated, resleeved, adjusted, bigger bolts, new hardware, etc. Finally gave up , let 'er move that tiny bit.