Boxing the frame..

[jeepxj2007]

Is boxing the frame really necessary? I plan on turning my ranger into a wheeling rig, nothing super hardcore...just average trails (ruts, small rocks, logs, etc) is there a need to box it? I don't want to spend a ton of money on this truck and break a frame, I have yet to see a c channel break personally however...what are your thoughts on this idea? Leave it or box it? The frame seems like it flex's a lot, but I don't see where that can really hurt, all of the cross members are riveted and what not, and that in my theory will allow for very slight movements of play compared to a cross member which is welded, wouldn't making something stiffer be prone to cracking since it doesn't have much give?

 

[Downey]

its not really necessary but might be a good idea. def will help strengthen the frame

 

[jeepxj2007]

i did some searching at how people did it, looks like they did most of it, would it hurt to do it in just a few areas instead of the whole thing. It seems like it would be a pain to run brake lines, fuel lines, electrical, it would rot out easier if the whole thing was boxed, would it be fine to box a foot or so and then a open space for a foot or so and then boxed again, or just leave it alone and run it?

 

[7.5L_STX]

i dont see a need for it, ive jumped my truck, did WHEELIES down an old whooped out railroad grade and hasnt cracked yet.

 

[jeepxj2007]

lol thats what i wanted to hear!... I don't want to spend all the time building this thing and see it break apart, but I personally haven't seen any actually break, even other trucks with c channels, so far I've only read about it on the internet and I guess you get a little of both sides when looking at something on the internet

 

[kennykenny]

I don't see the need for it, how big are you planning on building it? I'm assuming not real big from the sounds of your plans for wheeling.

 

[jeepxj2007]

nothing too serious...31 spline 8.8... 6" lift, 1" body lift, door less, roll cage, racing seats, custom built bed, 33-35"s, and 4.10 gears...nothing too serious.

 

[kennykenny]

Definately no need to box anything out then, build it up and bash it!

 

[4x4junkie]

I wheeled my Ranger for 12 years over trails like Rubicon and never have had any issues with the frame on it (doing the same with my BII now too). You should be fine.

 

[NMB2]

only area's of this frame ive found issues with is the front driver side frame rail from the second body mount, forward. Although I'm running leafs up front and 40's that area flexes from steering the wheel, full hydro will fix that, but it is a trouble area.

 

[Iron Ranger]

I boxed my frame simply to keep the torque flex in check from my 302 launches .

But since I have a cam as mild as warm nacho cheese, I have no issues until a hot cam is installed