Boxing a frame ???

Hey guys ,
I know this question has been asked a million times but its here again . What I'm building this time is a 36 1/2 ton Chevy low cab pickup with a stock frame (the frame is in really nice shape) I changed to a transverse spring and haipins and I'm going with a drag link set up for steering , I'm going to run a stock 302 with a 4 barrel (motor is out of a crown vic) and a T5 tranny (yes a Ford in a Chevy) . Soooo now the question should the frame be boxed , I've searched everywhere and it seems its 50/50 on the answer . I found that some guys say that the old stovebolt truck frames are strong enough without boxing and that boxing them sometimes does more harm than good . I don't want to kill the frame , but I really want to be SAFE while driving .
Let me know what you guys think , I'll be watching . :D

Cool choice of parts! Ford in a chevy will be different! I'd vote for boxing the frame. An old truck frame is still an OLD frame. The additional torque of the SBF I believe warrants the added strength of boxing. Oh, and we LOVE pics around here! Kinda an unwritten rule! LOL... Start a build thread and it adds to the fun! Glad to see you here!

That was my thoughts that it's still an old frame and should be boxed. And yeah I have a ton of build pics but I have dial up and by the time I get them loaded the truck will be done and I'll already be through my first set of tires .

Rocky,

I'm with 34_40. Box it just because it's getting the small block and street use. I boxed my 36 Low Cab. Should be pictures in my profile. It seems I bought the boxing plates from Street Rod Engineering just to speed things up. Looking forward to seeing your build!

David

I would also box it. Your statement about the first set of tires cements that in.

Well I guess that answers my question so I'm going to box it , you just never know when that 302 may magically decide to turn into a stroker . I'll try and post some pics of my build in progress during the week and let you guys see what I'm into .
Thanks for the response.
Rocky

Scratch what I said. I got the boxing plates from Progressive Automotive. They have the full boxing plates. SRE just has the fronts.

David

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Originally Posted by Rocky72

Well I guess that answers my question so I'm going to box it , you just never know when that 302 may magically decide to turn into a stroker . I'll try and post some pics of my build in progress during the week and let you guys see what I'm into . Thanks for the response. Rocky

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That's where I'm at also, just got it on the road and now I want to go with 331 or 347 stroker!

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Originally Posted by 34_40

That's where I'm at also, just got it on the road and now I want to go with 331 or 347 stroker!

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I have a 347 stroker in my 32 and I love it . It makes that little coupe go down the road with no problem , and quick too.

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Originally Posted by Rocky72

I have a 347 stroker in my 32 and I love it . It makes that little coupe go down the road with no problem , and quick too.

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OK, So now I'm jealous! LOL...

Whatcha got in that old 1969 Mach I, Rocky???

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Originally Posted by vara4

Whatcha got in that old 1969 Mach I, Rocky???

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Vara4 , its a factory 390 with a 4 speed it was an automatic but someone put the 4 speed in before I owned it . Still has factory interior , a/c , tach , and a clock that still works , I've owned the car for 25 + years.

I would definitly box it, old truck frames were designed to twist on the old roads, stiffening it will make the suspension work much better.