Who has their flat bed welded to the frame? What problems will I encounter with doing this if any or should I just make it where it mounts to the stock bed mounts?

I welded my bed to the frame and I think it's the best way to go. The drawback is when you later deside to remove the bed it's going to take a little more work...

http://www.allprooffroad.com/xtoys/Rocktoberfest01/7550.jpg

I will be removing the bed on mine and replacing it with two tubes going from the cage, back down to the frame. This arangment will be much lighter.

Chris, So you're not worried about the flexing to cause cracks?

Not worried at all, a frame with a full cage on top of it like mine does not flex much. Cracks simply are not a problem.

Thanks Chris, I am going to exo my 83 as well and it sounds good to me.

what size tsl are you running know? 36/38
why did you replace your ssrs????

Right now I am running 38's. The SSR's were having side wall problems and just are not tough enough for costant use at the hammers. They sure did drive well on the freeway, I never needed to ballance them. I ran two sets and they both developed side wall problems. The TSL's are working well so far but only have two trips on them. I don't drive much on the freeway anymore. I still drive to work and back every day but when I go out of town with it I trailer it.

I wish there was a 42" TSL that was 12.50" wide. That would be ideal.

sorry to get off topic here, but chris, do you plan on modifying your rear springs to have a lower spring rate after removing so much weight in the back, I.E. do you think your rear allpro's will be too stiff with almost no weight in the rear??

Um, Chris, those are the first pics I have seen of your exo cage yet and I have to say it looks bad ass! That is the best looking exo cage I have seen.:D

Originally posted by BRBx4
sorry to get off topic here, but chris, do you plan on modifying your rear springs to have a lower spring rate after removing so much weight in the back, I.E. do you think your rear allpro's will be too stiff with almost no weight in the rear??

Yes!

I have removed two leafs from both rear springs this has put me back to level for now. Later when I remove the rest of the bed and cab it's going to be much lighter still. We are currently testing some lower 3" springs with lighter spring rates for lighter rigs. These prototype springs are working very well and I think I will move to these during my summer overhual. I am also going to recess the spring hangers into the frame to reduce the lift even further.

Like so?

http://www.mindspring.com/~jayk3/bbspics/rearhanger1.jpg

Jay

Originally posted by ROKTOY
Like so?

Jay


Yes, very nice!

Hey getmrutn,
you might wanna try a search. This topic was brought up not too long ago, and had some good input from a bunch of them flatbed hicks:D

I read that disscussion about existing mounts or welding to the frame. I just wanted to here from someone who has this done and if they have encountered any poroblems with it to the frame. Thanks.