alot of good reading can be found on the Ford truck forums in regards to stiffening the frame of their trucks...curious if us gm guys should do the same?
http://www.f150online.com/forums/lig...e-discuss.html
http://www.nloc.net/vbforum/gen-2-li...pyder-way.html
http://www.nloc.net/vbforum/gen-2-li...tall-tips.html

with bumper removed and hitch removed, both of which DO tie the frame rails together...has anyone tied the rails together using the bumper mounting holes? someone in the threads above mention using a piece of aluminum channel...

in regards to the original hitch mounting holes...there is a member here, Dbl G, that is in the Atlanta area that makes an item that ties the rear leaf hangars together along with the frame rails...for the Fords...mentioned in threads above and he actually posted a thread here about it as well...
https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...d.php?t=387238
if you tie the frame in the rear together...do you need to tie the rear of the leafs together? maybe on a truck...???

he also makes a panhard bar assembly...for the Fords...
is a panhard bar necessary with a leaf spring suspension?
in a car, probably not...but I can see the possible benefit on a truck...

another guy makes something called the x-factor that the Ford guys use that mounts under the truck that ties the front and rear together as well...

any and all comments/thoughts are welcome!

 

no thoughts...hmmm...???
added links above for your reading enjoyment...

 

Not to sure on the 99+ trucks but I have heard of the obs truck twisting the frames when people make a good bit of power.

 

Isn't there a crossmember or something like that in the rear near the spare tire anyway? I can't remember if there is or not but would adding to it make much difference?

 

I think there is a crossmember above the axel tying the frame together

 

weather permitting, I have to get up under the truck this afternoon and see about a dope slinging differential...I'm gonna have me a look around in regards to this and maybe take some pics...

 

if Holty's '03 AWD SS frame is anything like the '99-'02 2WD...it does have quite a bit of structure...

 

yup looks just like the rear of my frame.

 

mine's the same...everything is totally different than the Ford...ours are tied together pretty well whether you have rear bumper & hitch or not...
the panhard bar may be something that could have some benefit...but no one makes one that I could find except AirRide Technologies...but it's only available in a 4-link kit...

 

What is the word on the tranny Al?