Front frame measurements

[Gerry]

Went to add a winch to my non winch truck and it doesn't fit. Looks like I need to spread frame a 1/2 inch Can someone give me the measurements between the frame rails at the winch mounting bolts?
Thanks,

[MSeriesRebuild]

Went to add a winch to my non winch truck and it doesn't fit. Looks like I need to spread frame a 1/2 inch Can someone give me the measurements between the frame rails at the winch mounting bolts?
Thanks,

Do you have the frame extensions in place?

[Gerry]

Charles,
Extensions are in place. Thinking maybe the front of the frame may have been jarred closer together sometime in her life

[MSeriesRebuild]

What you have is not uncommon. Most of the time you can coax it by loosening the bolts in the extensions, the placing a small hydraulic jack between the rails pushing outward and lowering the winch into place. Not usually a big deal.

[Gerry]

Charles,
Thanks for the idea. I was going to wait till I could drive it and use hydraulic spreaders at work but now I can do it right away.

[k8icu]

I think it's like when you put a wheel barrow together you leave everything loose till it's all together and then tighten it up. I was thinking the same think put a bottle jack between the fram and jack it untill the winch falls into place. Good luck with your addition.


Oh and yeah this goes without saying..... PICTURES!!!!

[Cal_Gary]

Just did this today as I needed to swap out my PTO shaft before installing my bumperettes-the frame rails all seem a bit offset to the inside and need to be flexed out. Some bottle jacks don't work sideways-I used a scissor jack to do mine.
Gary

[Gerry]

Gary,
Thanks for the info. Hopefully I can find some time soon. Will the frame spread and stay or do you need to bolt in place and then remove jack?

[Cal_Gary]

You'll need to keep the jack in place or it will flex back in. Once aligned, hand-start all the bolts, cinch 'em down, remove the jack then finish cranking the bolts down.
Gary

[Gerry]

Thanks,