Extended cab 7 ft Bed

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

c/k 1500 or 2500

 

[AllanD]

Ok, this has been done before.

The safe, sane and PROPER way to do what you are discussing
is to start by getting the rear half of a long box frame cut off
approximatly 18" forward of the rear leaf spring hanger.

Then cut off your exsisting frame so that the two sectioned frame
can be "Reverse fishmouthed" joined.

Welding a 6" extension in the middle of the frame is just plain stupid.

welding two frames together so that they have 6-9" of overlap on either
side of the joint then adding "cap plates" atleast 18" long on the top
and bottom flanges (both Welded and bolted to the flange with
another reinforcement piece "inside" the flange) would
actually be FAR stronger than the original frame.

Think of the kind of joint you want as two people grabbing each
other by the wrist.

welding TWO frames together also eliminates several other issues,
like the fact that the frame crossmembers and bed mounting holes
are ALL in different places....

And saves you from worrying about making and welding in a rear extension...

BTW, don't forget you'll also need an additional 6" extension to your exhaust system between the cat and muffler and use a long box tailpipe.

AD

 

[machinist]

yeah i used to work at a heavy equipment shop and when we streched semis we would do exactly what allend is explaining....just with 3foot over lap.....and along that 3foot we would drill about 10 holes and bolt it together on each rail. i have also streched trailers by butt welding a section in. when doing this make sure you weld a piece of 3/16 plate of steel along the inside of each rail. depending on the length of the section, add crossmembers...dont be shy the more strength = more reliabilty.

 

[JohnnyO]

Former TRS'er DaveR has done this, basically the way AllanD described, IIRC.
Then too, his 2wd was also hiding a transfer case for low range to tug his boat out of the water and a Thunderbird Turbo Coupe motor. DaveR could build some shit.