Lowering Rear End 96 C1500

markqc · 02-21-2005, 10:40 AM

Anyone ever notch the frame at the rear axle and use brackets to strengthen the frame? Is this legal in Canada? How strong is the frame with this type of bracket? Does anyone know where to get these brackets? (What is the proper name?)

Thanks,

Mark

cordovaass · 02-21-2005, 01:26 PM

i don't know why it wouldn't be leagal. ita called a "C-Notch" and you just bolt it on after cutting a "C" shaped part of your frame out. its just as strong factory if you do it right.

markqc · 02-21-2005, 01:57 PM

Thanks for your reply. The reason I ask is the ones on my truck look rusted (one side quite a bit) I'm a little worried about the safety of them.( A body shop guy told me that the vehicle would not pass a safety with this modification due to the frame being "damaged"). The brackets were installed before I bought the truck and before I bought the truck it was restored to original height. Is it possible to replace the bracket without too much work (do they "slide" in and out into position) or could the frame be strengthened by welding on some type of brace. BTW they are the bolt on type of c notch bracket.

Thanks
Mark

J-Ri · 02-21-2005, 04:02 PM

Other than dealing with the rust, it shouldn't be too bad.

cordovaass · 02-21-2005, 09:07 PM

if they are rusted just spray some black undercoating on them... if your truck is stock rideing hight and you don't need them... find some one that does and when they cut their frame use that peice to weld in on your frame.... as long as you or someone you know , knows how to weld.

TexasF355F1 · 02-23-2005, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markqc

Anyone ever notch the frame at the rear axle and use brackets to strengthen the frame? Is this legal in Canada? How strong is the frame with this type of bracket? Does anyone know where to get these brackets? (What is the proper name?)

Thanks,

Mark

First I have to ask why are you notching the frame? Is it lowered?

Heres the information you're looking for. A c-notch is generally associated with a flip-kit. The c-notch comes with the stencil to trace on the frame as a template. You then cut out the notch, with most commonly a sawzall. With the notch out of place there is a required bracket that fits the c-notch that act as a brace that bolts to the frame. This is what gives it the added support.

As cordovaass said spray black undercoating on after the notch is cut. And then bolt on the notch. But if your truck is stock there is no need for this, and a c-notch is not necessary unless your truck has more than a 4" drop. Although some people like the added room.

Cadillakin'98 · 02-23-2005, 11:09 PM

If they are only bolted on, this leaves room for them to "shift" out of place which will be equivalant yo a damaged frame. If tey are welded into the precise locations, there is no room for error. The shop guy who said it wouldn't pass due to a "damaged" frame sounds like a hater. However, Many shops, dealerships, etc. will view your truck as having a "damaged" frame wether bolted-on or welded. Technically it is since it is altered and is no longer OEM specs, deminsions, etc.

markqc · 02-24-2005, 06:47 AM

Thanks, for your input. The frame was already notched and returned to stock height before I purchased the truck. I think I will just clean and repaint and spray with a "rust check" spray and leave the brackets as is. I was told by others that this bracket is comparable strength wise to the original frame. ( I have had upto 2000 lbs in the truck without problems). I think you are right that the shop guy doesn't like this mod and he over reacted.

Thanks,

Mark

TexasF355F1 · 02-24-2005, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadillakin'98

If they are only bolted on, this leaves room for them to "shift" out of place which will be equivalant yo a damaged frame. If tey are welded into the precise locations, there is no room for error. The shop guy who said it wouldn't pass due to a "damaged" frame sounds like a hater. However, Many shops, dealerships, etc. will view your truck as having a "damaged" frame wether bolted-on or welded. Technically it is since it is altered and is no longer OEM specs, deminsions, etc.

Sorry man, but you're wrong. Belltech, DJM, McGaughy's, etc, they all use bolt-on c-notches. It does not make the frame weaker. This has been PROVEN.

Cadillakin'98 · 02-24-2005, 10:54 PM

Markqc,

The people that told you the brackets were comparable strength wise to the original frame are probably right. However, TexasF355F1, I would say this is only true IF:

1) The brackets are properly welded, or

2) The nuts & bolts holding the brackets have the proper rating for strength durability

For the record, I am still of the opinion that bolt on brackets leave room for error wether it be a bolt breaks, bends, or loosens up over time due to vibration, etc, etc. It is much better (still my opinion here) to have a good weld holding the brackets because as anyone who was in any type of metal shop in high school knows that metal welded (properly) together is stronger than if it were one solid piece. Since this is your frame and these brackets are near the rear end, which is what your rear wheels are connected to, which is what supports you while your inside the vehicle, and you also rely on (rear wheels) to CONTROL the vehicle in some form or fashion, isn't it better to have the piece of mind knowing that your your frame is solid?

TexasF355F1 · 02-25-2005, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadillakin'98

Markqc,

The people that told you the brackets were comparable strength wise to the original frame are probably right. However, TexasF355F1, I would say this is only true IF:

1) The brackets are properly welded, or

2) The nuts & bolts holding the brackets have the proper rating for strength durability

For the record, I am still of the opinion that bolt on brackets leave room for error wether it be a bolt breaks, bends, or loosens up over time due to vibration, etc, etc. It is much better (still my opinion here) to have a good weld holding the brackets because as anyone who was in any type of metal shop in high school knows that metal welded (properly) together is stronger than if it were one solid piece. Since this is your frame and these brackets are near the rear end, which is what your rear wheels are connected to, which is what supports you while your inside the vehicle, and you also rely on (rear wheels) to CONTROL the vehicle in some form or fashion, isn't it better to have the piece of mind knowing that your your frame is solid?

I'm not disputing with you but I've been in the sport truck scene since i was 11. Everything I've read and everyone that I talk to never have mentioned it weakening the frame. I have heard people say that if the c-notch is welded in and is done shody, that it could in turn weaken the frame, but if done right it wont. Of course if a bonehead that cuts the notch out doesnt do it right then it will obviously screw up the frame.

Why wouldnt the bolts that djm, mcgaughys, etc include be up to par. They wont be if its a product of AIM Industries, but that company is terrible and makes a product of sub-par quality.

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