Need to give a bent frame a firm yoink - where to attach

[MazdaB3K]

I need to give a bent frame piece a nice yoink to straighten it out. Using my beater 94 Mazda B3000 it seems like tug from it doing a slow roll (maybe about 5 miles per hour) would be enough. I don't have a trailer hitch to pull from. What would be a strong spot to attach a tow strap to? Would it work to go around both sides of the rear axle?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I certainly would NOT be pulling anything from the axle.

 

[Brain75]

I did this before and you do NOT want sudden impact 5mph vs 0mph, because that is basically completely uncontrolled.
What you want is controlled. Completely controlled power.

Cut some 3/8 or even 1/2 scrap plate to fit onto whatever you are pulling, sandwich both sides in that with lots of grade 8 bolts, tightened down to quite snug, weld a chain link onto the outter (from the dent) side, and then use a come-a-long to gradually apply more and more pull until you have the frame deflected to straight ... take the pressure off, resnug your bolts. Probably have to give it another tug going just past straight - when you relax the pressure it will suck back to just straight. Anchor the other end against some completely immovable object. If you just are not gonna win doing it that way use some judicious heat - don't get carried away, and don't pull 1/2 as hard when it is hot - it will move like paper when it is hot. Temper it with heat again and let it slow cool so you haven't made a brittle cracking point.

Pro safety tip, never stand along the path of the come-along/chain etc - if your weld fails or the chain snaps it will cut your ass in half.

Don't have all the tools to do it right, find a buddy with a farm shop or break down and take it to a collision shop.

 

[pjtoledo]

how 'bout a picture & description of what needs yoink'd

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

As others have stated, a “yoink” is the wrong move. I have used that method before… like to get a damaged bumper away from a tire where the bumper was already trash. My yoink mangled it even more, to the point where I was wishing I would have just broke out the come-along or winch.

A come-along or winch and a sledgehammer are your best friends for re-working metal. Also a torch and port-a-power. If that’s beyond your capability, then you need to find a person that has the right gear and knowledge or a frame shop. Straightening mangled metal can be a time-consuming process and it can’t really be rushed. Put tension on it, hammer to release stress, tension, de-stress, repeat until reasonably straight. There’s a whole art form to it. I have a book on my shelves, “The keys to metal bumping.” Something like that is a good starting point.

 

[bobbywalter]

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Using the rear axle to pull isn’t ideal—it can stress or damage suspension components. Instead, look for the factory tow points or a sturdy part of the frame near the back. If you're unsure, consider bolting a temporary tow hook to the frame for a safer connection. Always double-check your setup

So… just what TRS event did you attend?

 

[Curious Hound]

So… just what TRS event did you attend?

The one where somebody yoinked their Ranger into a pretzel.