Truck frame swap

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I had a guy ask if I would be able to take his 1986 cabover Freightliner & swap out the rear section of frame for a 1999 Volvo with air ride.  The Freightliner has a 9" frame & the Volvo has a 12" frame.  I know this can be done because I have seen it before.  I'd just like to hear some opinions.Miller XMT 304 cc/cvMiller 12RC w/ 15ft Tweco #4 GunMiller 30A SpoolgunCustom Thermal Arc TA 10/270 Generator "Thermal Star"Smith oxy/acet-propane with weld, cut & rosebud tipsAnd of course grinders, chop saws, hand tools
Reply:Does the 1999 Volvo frame section include the drive axle(s) assembly?  Single rear axle or tandem?
Reply:Tandem drive axles.  All he needs me to do is connect the frames then he is going to pull it to the truck shop his son works at to finish.Miller XMT 304 cc/cvMiller 12RC w/ 15ft Tweco #4 GunMiller 30A SpoolgunCustom Thermal Arc TA 10/270 Generator "Thermal Star"Smith oxy/acet-propane with weld, cut & rosebud tipsAnd of course grinders, chop saws, hand tools
Reply:Better check the laws reguarding welding truck frames. They are always changing, but last I heard the DOT was not alowing spliced frames forward of the drives. Sent from my SCH-I200 using TapatalkYeah, I know, but it'll be ok!Lincoln Square wave 255Miller Vintage mig30a spoolgunThermal Dynamics Pacmaster 100xl plasmaSmith mc torchEllis 1600 band saw
Reply:I'm pretty sure it is against DOT regulations to weld anything to a vehicle frame unless it was factory. All I know is when companies extend a frame, like people with Dodge Mega cab short beds, they use huck bolts to bolt in the extension. Now I doubt this method is strong enough for a truck like this.Sent from my SCH-I545 using TapatalkBuilding a 94 crew cab Chevy long bed dually welding truck. Has a Cummins, Ford ZF6 transmission with custom made adapter plate, NP271, Dodge Dana 60 SAS, Chevy 14 bolt rear, 8 inch suspension lift, with 3 inch body lift. Check out my build thread!!
Reply:Its completely legal but its not something for the armature.   I would find a std 11" frame rail section and section that in and bolt the hangers to the proper section.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Truck frames are lengthened and shortened all the time.  You just need to find an experienced shop.  Could you double frame the Freightliner from the cab back and use the Volvo suspension and drives.  9" to 12" is a big step change.  There may be someone out there who can stamp the adapter and frame sections you need.It is OK to tell people no.DanManipulator Of Metal
Reply:Completely legal around here to do, but it better be done well, or you'll never get an MVI approved on it.