Bent tunnel help...repair or replace?
- Thread starter dmaxd2500
- Start date
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dmaxd2500
Well-known member
Thanks for all the great input guys. I'll definitely check into finding a good used chassis. I'll probly try to straighten it and if I F it up or can't get it to my liking then that will pretty much solve my dilemma. I don't have much to lose I suppose. Thanks for the thread Mike. I remember reading parts of that but I'll look thru it again.
wjl and 4Z-I will check into it, thanks. Will a 13-14 belt drive chassis work with a 11-12 chaincase? Or would I just use the belt drive?
wjl and 4Z-I will check into it, thanks. Will a 13-14 belt drive chassis work with a 11-12 chaincase? Or would I just use the belt drive?
The one thing that nobody has mentioned is that you can straighten it but, you shouldn't. As an aluminum welder and fabricator once aluminum is stretched it will never be the same. You can get it close but it will always be weaker than it was originally and you can brace it but it will be more likely to bend in that same spot. I have repaired tunnels a few times and it always bent in the same spot again until i just replaced the tunnel and was done with it. As long as you got the money set aside fix it the rite way with a new bulkhead if needed and a aftermarket or stock tunnel whichever you prefer.
Good point, but a good brace kit will make it way stronger then stock...all depends on how well straightened it was and how good the brace kit is and how it is installed...
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dmaxd2500
Well-known member
Yeah I thought about that myself. I'm no metallurgist but I do know that part of the tunnel will never be the same. That's why I'm apprehensive about stretching it back out. I did read yz's thread earlier and it did instill some confidence so maybe I will give it a try. I whole problem here is that I shoulda been working on this all summer so it wasn't such a rush but instead I wasted the summer chasin girls and drinkin cold cervasas.
Mike, this thread shows the reinforcements much better. Posts #35 & 36 have some decent pictures.
http://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=314453
I made my reinforcements myself, but regardless of whose kit you use just be sure that you include the front suspension bolt and use Lord's adhesive or equivalent.
By the looks of your tunnel (mine wasn't near as bad) I would use the insurance and get a VEI tunnel or something like that. Then reinforce it. I still have my tunnel (BTW it's for sale). If it wasn't for insurance I would still be using it.
Good Luck and keep us posted. I love threads like this to see how other people fix stuff.
It's not rocket science.. it is actually pretty easy as long as you go slow, pay attention and don't just start wacking at it with a BFH...biggest deal is to exert force exactly opposite of how it hit..and go slow..may have to work 2-4 areas at a time...
