: so why do cruzahs have so much frame flex??


DCruiser138
09-08-2001, 11:05 PM
my friend asked me...so why do cruisers have so much frame flex and the obvious answer from me was..they are just designed like that. is it really because of the c-channel rear end or wht? just bored and was wonderin. i mean that is truely a lot of frame flex..

<IMG width=640 height=652 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/frame flex.dwnsz.jpg">

Sloan
09-08-2001, 11:07 PM
I would guess that it is because of the rivets in the frame and them loosening up over time. I could be wrong.

elf_cruiser
09-08-2001, 11:46 PM
Yes the rivets are the problem. Time definitely fatigues the frame, but i bet a FJ40 would still have had bad frame flex when it was brand new. 2 pieces of c-channel and rivets don't make a frame that will stand up to full-width axles, lifts, and heavy flexing. I plan on boxing some of the open areas in back, and around the front shackle hangers, as well as stitch welding the frame rails together all the way along each side to prevent any movement. If you can weld, i would suggest doing this too.

LndBbrzr
09-09-2001, 07:24 AM
Yea Frame Flex Bad....Thats my cruiser in the pic BEFORE we stitch welded the frame. It still has some flex but is much better now.

fj40charles
09-09-2001, 04:26 PM
Do you remember the guy that is making metal plates to box in the rear of the cruiser? Does anyone have his contact info?

Charles

coyote
09-09-2001, 08:43 PM
He's on the board...can't remember his name but does a good job...got his emails schilbun@hotmail.com...his name is scott...Good stuff....

wngrog
09-10-2001, 04:26 AM
Buford is his screen name and he is from Baton Rouge. Kit cost $150 and it is a complete kit to box the rear of the frame.

Name is Scott Hilbun.

As for flex, hell you think Cruisers are bad, you should wheel with CJ's and big tires and axles!

fj40charles
09-10-2001, 10:08 AM
Thanks for the info...

Charles

buford
09-10-2001, 10:43 AM
Heh, I've been out of the loop for a while I've been working on my Cruiser. I see that you may have some questions for me, fj40charles. Email me anytime. I've got pics and feedback from other people if you are interested.

Buford
schilbun@hotmail.com

'62FJ40
09-11-2001, 11:01 AM
Watched a ship building program on the history channel last week, they talked about rivets vs welding, rivets made for stronger hulls because they would flex where welds would crack and break. Advantage of welding was cheaper and less labor intensive.