Stretching the frame on a class 8 tractor

Subway420 · Mar 12, 2007

Does anybody know of any reputable shops in the detroit, mi area that can stretch the frame on a class 8 tractor to accomodate a 22 or 24' box. also does anybody know the maximum overall length limit for a straight truck. also does any body know of an average ball park price for this modification.

thanks

davekc · Mar 12, 2007

Not sure specifically who is reputable for stretches in MI. 40 feet is your maximum length. Price is somewhere between 4,000 and 8,000.
I wouldn't recommend this, unless you know exactly how it is going to come out. There are numerous issues involved in doing a stretch.
Better off to do one that has been completed.

Davekc
owner
22 years
PantherII
EO moderator

Subway420 · Mar 12, 2007

thanks for the response. could you please describe some of the issues in doing a stretch. i have currently owned a 95 fl70 with 22' box for the last 4 years. i just inherieted a 95 westernstar tractor in mint condition with a fresh motor rebuild. it has been in my family since brand new. rather than sell it and buy a used class 8 truck where i dont know the history. i would rather mod this truck. and sell the freightliner.

thanks

JohnO · Mar 13, 2007

Something you may want to check out before committing to stretching your 95 westernstar is that several of the larger expediting companies wonâ€™t accept it do to age.

Subway420 · Mar 13, 2007

Age of the truck is not an issue for me because i run under my own authority.

thanks

greg334 · Mar 13, 2007

What can go wrong, a few things.

The first thing is alignment of the frame and what material is used. I have seen a couple conversions that are horrible and back yard hack jobs where the frames were somewhat skewed, hard to tell until you looked behind the truck and it looked like a 75 nova after a hard life. One convestion had cracks where they were bolted together, somewhat of a disaster trying to find a place to happen.

The second thing is the way the frame and the extension are attached together. I have look at a couple extension jobs in Texas that the frames were reinforced with plates and both welded and bolted with grade 3 bolts in several places.

The third thing is the alignment of the rear axle(s). I know that this is very critical to tire life, seeing I had a problem with losing shims and eating tires. Replaced the tires and had a laser alignment done. Not completely happy with the truck's ride but the tires are fine now.