wheelbase

Hi- I'd like to pick your brains... I've decided to shorten the wheelbase on my 96 fl-70 from 240" TO 192". I've had people tell me they cut the section out of the center of the frame, I thought just slide the axle forward and cut the back of the frame off... Any sugestions Thanks Steve

[Gary Atsma]

I would think (and numerous truck folks seem to agree) that your second method of sliding everything forward then chopping off the rear would be more sound, only because you would still have your framerails uncut or modified (except for a few extra holes, which are NOT a concern here). No matter how good the welding would be, to me it would be better not to have to weld at all. Just one less thing to worry about! I hope this helps you. Best of luck to you!

[KAYE RIVERCITY]

....on MTD they usually plate the frame after welding....why pay for the extra labor and materials?....slide everything forward.....geofkaye

[Gary Atsma]

OK folks for those keeping score:

Plan #1 Unbolt-the-axle-slide-it-up-then-whack-the-frame: 2
Plan #2 Hack-frame-in-2(actually 3)-reweld-w/o-extra-pcs: 0

Kinda lop-sided so far

Gary (who's having waaaay too much fun this late @ nite)