M108 Found Bent Frame?

[rumplecat]

Friday I am going to have a look at a M108 Crane truck WW, the owner told me the frame is bowed? Any yard stick I can use to tell how bad this is(anyone with any experience), I really want the truck $2000, but I don't want to spend $10K getting it fixed. He says the reason he knows the frame is bent is because the axle makes a clicking sound where it goes into the inboard rear differential. I have called a frame shop and they can't give an estimate until they see the truck, so any ideas are welcome.
James G.

 

[mangus580]

You could always buy a 'parts truck' and do a frame swap. You would have to figure out how to double it up though for the 108...

 

[Stretch44875]

The reasoning behind the bent frame sounds off. The clicking could be a number of things. You can sight down the frame rails and see serious frame bending.

As to using a parts frame to repair, have to swap the mountingplate/with rear axles. Then you could cut out the rivets on the M108's double frame, and rivet it to the parts truck. A lot of work. I was going to do this to mine, plans have changed.

I would think a big truck body shop should be able to fix a mild frame bend. No idea on price.

Take lots of pics!

Dennis

 

[Recovry4x4]

I'd bet the problem was something else. Any significant rear frame damage should be visually apparent. Please post up some pics for us 108 lovers!

 

[m-35tom]

bent frame would not cause noise unless it was REALLY obvious. most likely a bent axle housing and that would also be obious just be looking at it.

 

[jatonka]

M108 frame bent

I don't follow the logic on a clicking noise meaning the frame is bent. I have a deuce with a bent axle housing and it doesn't click either. It has enough bend to make the duals look cambered from the rear, but you can't see the bend in the housing. I have an extra M108 at my place, if you want a correct frame. John Tennis

 

[rumplecat]

RE: M108 frame bent

I am picking up a M715 at the guys farm he has the 108 there so I will have a look and I will take some photos to post.
James G.

 

[rizzo]

if it is bent it will probably be at the front of the double frame.

I agree with Kenny again you should be able to see it with the naked eye. If it is not bent bad, don't let it deter you from getting the truck

 

[papercu]

frame

always buy a 'parts truck' and do a frame swap

Or you could buy my stripped frame in South GA. and save it from the the scapper. Wayne