Hi all, I am getting ready to rip off my original rusted frame rails and install the new ones. The rear-end is off and the leafs are down Does anyone have experience with this, helpful tips before I get started?

 

I am right in the middle of doing my second set. I do one side at a time instead of cutting it all out together. That way I have one side left as a refrence. Also, make sure to keep the axle centered. I tack in the new rails and then jack the rear end up with the springs on to make sure it is all going to line up. Then weld it solid. You have to be careful here as well because if you weld one side of the new rail solid and then the other the heat will tend to pull the frame rail off center.

I know some of this is stating the obvious, but I hope it helps.
Jeff

 

When you replace the rear frame rails, do you have to take the leafs and drive shaft off the rear end?

 

No you don't. What I did was jack up the car with a floor jack under the 3rd member. I put jack stands under the car just in front of the springs. I let the jack down somewhat and took the pressure off of the springs. I didn't let the axle completely down because I didn't want to stress the middle of the car with the weight of the axle.

You can then undo the shakles. Then just let the axle down a little more to get the rear of the springs out of the way. If you don't need to replace the springs this is a good way to do it. Then when you get the new rails tacked in place you can jack up the axle and springs and make sure everything lines up.

Jeff