Frame doesn’t look quite right

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Westislander

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I’m the first to admit when I’m not sure about something. I am going to look at a 1986 short bed K10 frame listed for $500 on Craigslist. The add says sandblasted and POR15’d looking at the pictures something seems off to me, maybe I’m just being paranoid. What do you all think?
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DanMcG

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I don't see anything from here that stands out to me. front frame ends are pointed so it's an earlier unit. check around the power steering box location for cracks and maybe see if there's a partial vin stamped in the passenger frame rail. Looks to be missing a rad support on the drivers side. also check that all the crossmembers are riveted and not bolted.
All good excuses to get it for a lower price.
It look just like mine but nicer, But I'm not expert by any means.
 

bucket

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The frame horns say it's a '81-'87 frame. It also has the secondary shock mounts, as part of the quad shock option.
 

climb-101

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there should be a vin number some place on the frame. find it and look it up.
 

shiftpro

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$500 seems way too high. He will have to eventually pay someone to haul it away. Keep that in mind. You can buy a complete but rusted out clapper parts truck for 5 bills.
 

chengny

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The way that the engine crossmember is shaped and mounted can sometimes give the illusion that the frame is twisted/bent:

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But that is the way it is supposed to be:
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Westislander

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Thanks Jerry, I think that may be it combined with the front horns and the slight bend in between the cross members make it look like it was hit
 
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chengny

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Thanks Jerry, I think that may be it combined faith the front horns and the slight bend in between the cross members make it look like it was hit


Yeah, but check this out:

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It might be just the camera angle, but that section does not look right. I'd be concerned about it. Here is the same section on one of my trucks:

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DanMcG

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It appears that bulge is in your frame in the last pic in the #6 post? Yes?
 

Westislander

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I suppose, if the mounts and front horns are lined up across from each other I should be able to see if their was a drivers side hit
 

chengny

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It appears that bulge is in your frame in the last pic in the #6 post? Yes?


I don't see a bulge - but I think the width of the rail's top flange does taper down a bit in that area. Maybe that's what I'm seeing. A better view:

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bucket

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It's not the right angle to see it real well, but my '83 K5 frame has the same hump in the frame.

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Blue Ox

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The way that the engine crossmember is shaped and mounted can sometimes give the illusion that the frame is twisted/bent:


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h

Since we're on the subject. Where would I find the chassis specs for my truck? When I get around to rehabbing it I need to go over the frame measurements and straighten out a few things.
 

dvdswan

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The service manual should have a section for measuring points on the frame to tell if its square.
 

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