Not sure where to put this, do I hope this is good.

I'd like to find ways to stiffen a frame. Besides boxing the frame because mine is already boxed stock. I had an idea I wanted to run by you guys. I came across some 6061 and 7075 aluminum that is 1/4" thick. My idea was to run this plate kinda like a skid plate but from frame rail to frame rail. Using 1/2 bolts/nuts, welding the nuts to 1/8" thick large diameter washers. Then drilling holes just big enough for the nuts to slide into the frame rail. Then weld the washers to the frame rails. Doing so, say ever 3-4 inches down each side. I've figured out how to run one plate from the Trans cross member to the front of the rear lower link. Then one from the front of the Trans cross member to the front end cross member under the motor. Notching for clearance of course. Also I could use dimple dies through out to make it even more ridged and to drain water and what not. What do you guys think? The aluminum was free it's sitting in my garage right now.

 

Not sure why... but do it!!
Sounds cool enough.. you could call it your baja skid plate....... in FL.

should help a lil in the aerodynamics too.

 

but you do know drilling a hole every 3-4" is gonna weaking the structure some. How about welding on some angle to the frame and just welding the nut to the horizonal part? no holes in the frame but still strong.

 

I was actually thinking about the aerodynamics myself. I wonder if it would help any.

Do you actually think it woul help or are you being funny? Not being a dick I just want to make sure. . I'm just trying to make sure the frame is stout as I can make it when I do the Dmax swap. I have no less power goals than I have in the 5.3l now. But that means a load more torque.

 

I dont see it helping the stiffness of it very much.. you need metal vertical, not horizonal.

Acctually serious on the aerodynamics.. alot of the race cars are plated like that i figured it was so no wind could get caught in turbulence?

 

but then again if you did have the bolts some what close to each other it could help with the twisting of the frame..

 

I'm not sure if the angle iron idea would work. Unless I welded it to the out side of the frame. It's got to site on bottom of the frame because ever thing sits about flush with the bottom of the truck. That's where I got the nuts welded in frame idea. The washers would space it perfect to clear most everything. Minus the tcase drop and the Trans cross member.

 

Good Luck!! i was just thinking off top of my head..

Thats alot of ~3/4" holes in the frame for the nuts and washers.

 

The twisting is what I'm tryin to prevent.

I do agree I think the aerodynamics could do some cool things. The Chevy cruze that's made for high mpg's has panels along the bottom just the same for better air flow.

 

Oh I'm hear to listen. Please don't take it as in not. Just throwing out my thoughts as to why I came up thing I did. I probably shouldn't have labeled it frame stiffness now that I think about it. More like "preventing or lowering the amount of frame twist. Lol