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Bent frame

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by numbersix, Jan 13, 2013.

  1. numbersix

    numbersix Newberg, Oregon

    Before I tore the jeep down, I noticed the front left side was sitting lower than the other side. At the time, it looked like the stock leaf springs were just worn. Today while cleaning the frame, I found out that the frame is pretty bent. I didn't notice it at first, but if I get down eye-level and look front to back, you can see it. Both the front and back end have 1.5" - 2" of difference on opposite corners. Rather ****ed at this point since the tub is bad enough, but now I've got a tweaked/bent frame. At this point is the frame just metal scrap?
     
    numbersix, Jan 13, 2013
    #1
  2. tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    If you have the proper tools it can be bent back to where it needs to go............or take it to a body shop and have them bend it back for you............of course whatever caused the bend should also be looked at or fixed.
     
    tarry99, Jan 13, 2013
    #2
  3. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Frames can be put back in shape with a bit of work- see the pics here how how I did mine-

    http://www.tantel.ca/Images/The Sludge Pile/Section_R_Frame/

    sample-

    [​IMG]

    Basically you put force on it to pull it a little past where it's soupposed to be, take out your frustrations on it with a FBH to stress releive both yourself & the frame and it should be pretty close to good :)

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Jan 13, 2013
    #3
  4. numbersix

    numbersix Newberg, Oregon

    Good idea but won't work for my issue, see my highly detailed diagram below lol.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2013
    numbersix, Jan 13, 2013
    #4
  5. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Same idea- stress it back to where you want it then hit it a lot.

    In your case a couple of jacks stands on opposite "low " corners and weights on the "high" corners is what's required.

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Jan 14, 2013
    #5
  6. numbersix

    numbersix Newberg, Oregon

    Thanks, I understand now. Worth a shot, nearest shop estimated $300 to fix sight unseen.
     
    numbersix, Jan 14, 2013
    #6
  7. jasonjp62

    jasonjp62 Member

    We put a frame back in place kinda the same way as Howard it describing and it was bent like yours. we cribbed it up and chained it down to the I beam of a friends bridge and jacked up the low side and hit it.......it worked quite well.
     
    jasonjp62, Jan 14, 2013
    #7
  8. numbersix

    numbersix Newberg, Oregon

    I took some measurements tonight and turns out I had it backwards. The front left wasn't lower than it should be, the front right is higher. On the passenger side, the frame is 1/2" too tall at the middle, 3/4" at the front shock tower and a full 1 1/4" at the bumper. Amended my original picture. I'm usually a very visual person but now I'm just confused. :? I have hydraulic jacks, jack stands, chains and scrap steel but I'm having a heck of a time figure out how to correct the twist. Does the picture below look right?

    [​IMG]
     
    numbersix, Jan 15, 2013
    #8
  9. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Think of the frame as having a point at each corner. You want all four points to be in the same plane.

    A plane is uniquely described by three points in space. If you set three corners on jack stands at the same height, they will be in the same plane. Choose the three corners so the fourth corner is too low. Tie down the level corners and lift the low corner.
     
    timgr, Jan 15, 2013
    #9