Is this frame twisted?? Need advise on checking out a potential buy.

[Maui-sprint]

I'm going to check out this '89 tomorrow. From the pics I was sent it appears the body lines between cab and bed are misaligned. Rear bumper is banged up pretty good. I'm afraid frame may be slightly twisted. Truck doesn't run so I cannot take out for a test drive to see how she handles. Do you agree with my concern? What part of frame should I inspect closer to confirm that its not twisted? Your advice is greatly appreciated. THANKS!!!

thanks!

 

[dirtymike]

I would have to move it to level ground with the front wheel straight. Mine parked in the back yard are miss aligned also but on level ground its straight.

 

[Blmpkn]

Could be the bedmounts are trashed, or previously repaired.. with the repair ending up a bit crooked.

 

[Uncle Gump]

It kinda looks like RR tire is tucked and LR is dropped. You would really have to put it on level ground.

The bumper got pushed a bit but really doesn't look like it got into the box to bad. I would be surprised if that bent the frame.

 

[Curious Hound]

Probably old, worn out body mounts plus not on level ground. That bumper doesn't look too bad to me.

Go look at it. Take a cheap tarp to lay on and a good flashlight. Get up under there and see what it looks like. If you're not comfortable with that, walk away and wait for a different deal.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

You won't be able to see a slight twist in the frame with the naked eye. You can see a rotted bed, or rotted cab mount...

 

[snoranger]

How much are they asking for it?

 

[rubydist]

You can measure the diagonal shift fairly easily, and that is what usually happens first on these frames as they do not have strong enough crossmembers. While you are laying under the truck on the tarp mentioned above, use a tape measure to check the diagonal distance from the driver's side of one crossmember to the passenger side of the next. Then check the opposite diagonal measurement (passenger side of the first to driver's side of the second.) The difference in those measurements tells you how messed up the frame is - it should measure as close to the same as you can get using this method.

 

[bobbywalter]

You can measure the diagonal shift fairly easily, and that is what usually happens first on these frames as they do not have strong enough crossmembers. While you are laying under the truck on the tarp mentioned above, use a tape measure to check the diagonal distance from the driver's side of one crossmember to the passenger side of the next. Then check the opposite diagonal measurement (passenger side of the first to driver's side of the second.) The difference in those measurements tells you how messed up the frame is - it should measure as close to the same as you can get using this method.

Assuming level ground.

These frames are made to move

 

[Maui-sprint]

All great points. I will make sure its on level ground for inspection. Hard to tell from the pics, but may it be on a hill and pushing rear pass tire up.
If it still looks tweaked after moving it I will pull out the tape measure.
I appreciate everyone's speedy feedback. I hope its NOT twisted and there's a diamond under all the dirt.
Will post up results.

 

[Maui-sprint]

UPDATE: After further inspection on level ground, the box aligned up with cab. Here she sits at my friend's place after purchase. She's sitting a bit low because of the spare 2.9, tranny, and transfer case sitting in the bed. A bit dirty but rust-free. Will make a nice project! 1989 STX, 2.9, manual trans and transfer case.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Neat truck, now give it a bath and post pics!

That tan color with the sticker kit is unique.

 

[Maui-sprint]

Will do. But won't be for a couple months. Truck is in Oregon and I'm back in Hawaii for next two months before I get back over there. It sucks because I really want to dig into it NOW! But at least I got it waiting for me. Will post up progress as soon as possible. Mechanically, the existing 2.9 runs but has a blown head gasket (the extent of which is to be determined). And the 4th gear in the FM146 is toast. However, truck came with a complete '91 drivetrain including a 2.9 and M5R1 tranny. Plan is to bring it back home and do a V8 conversion on it so I may have some parts I may be looking to get rid of on west coast prior shipping over.

 

[Maui-sprint]

Sorry for the time gap but here she is after being cleaned up. Prepped for shipment to Hawaii. Was able to get the motor running and truck movable. Plans include tossing the original drivetrain for a 5.0/M5R2 and upgrading to D35/8.8. Will keep the original suspension with the factory lift though.

 

[gw33gp]

The rear of that STX must be lifted a little. The 89 STX came from the factory with the front a little higher than the rear. Yours is sitting very level. I had an 89 STX Supercab and most STX were Supercabs that I saw. I think you have a rare find being an STX and short wheel base. I drove one that I am pretty sure had a 7 ft bed with a single cab when I was trying to figure out what I wanted. Yours looks to have a 6 ft bed, does it?

The factory suspension on the 89 STX is very good and does great off-road. I can't tell what size tires are on it but 31x10.5-15 tires fit on mine very well with the stock wheels like you have. The front tires would very lightly rub at full turn, but never created a problem.