Box in the frame or not? on my 79 bronco & 79 F150

[brom014]

So I am in the tear down phase oh my 79 Bronco Rebuild, I am wondering if it is worth the work of boxing in the frame or not. I know they are pretty tought to begin with but didnt know what any of you have done. I am swapping bodies due to mine being in end stage cancer and will not make it another winter. while off I am throwing on a coat of por-15 paint and like I said box it in or not? pro's? con's? and do any of you have any pics of what you have done. I also have a 79 f150 long bed that is next, didnt know if the length of the frame will play a factor, they are both getting 460's and 60's front and rear, again didnt know if the extra juice from the motor would play hell with the frame, the bronco is a total toy, and will one day be non-street legal. any other frame off tips would be great, and what kinda marerial to use.... thanks again, keep rockin the Ford's

[Dr.Danger]

I don't think it's really needed, but I always say go big or go home. An F-150 or Bronco frame can handle big block power all day, but if you are already gonna have the body off the thing why the hell not? It can't hurt it, that's for sure. I would say at least do it for the Bronco being that it is just a toy, and knowing that toys generally see much more abuse. In addition to frame strength your plumbing and wiring stays nice and safe inside the frame rail. I would probably leave a few access holes to get it all in easily however. For construction I understand most guys just use mild steel plates cut to fit and then mig weld them in.

Just my .02.

[OX]

Only things I would do is beef up the stock steering box frame location and box in any point you plan on attaching suspesnion mounts (frame end of 3/4 link, rad arms, etc...)

The rest of it does not need it and IMO, all a boxed frame does is add weight on 70's fords. Doubly if you are in a muddy environment. I'm building an early bronco now that was mud truck when I got it. I bet the frame weighs several hundred lbs extra, as it is literally filled with dirt from one end to the other.