'85 Silverado Bent Frame

[Chief Smackaho]

I bought my "Little Truck" an '85 Silverado 1/2 ton a couple years ago with a bent right front frame rail about 2" over. The frame bend is behind the A arm and leans down on the right about the same 2" because of it and it desperately needs an alignment. My question is A local body shop suggested the old "Chain it to a tree and jerk it out" and I was wondering doing the yank vs paying approx $500 to have it frame racked, would this be a wise alternative? I don't even know the measurements to set it to as goal. Thoughts, opinions, criticisms? All are welcome. Please suggest.

The truck is worth keeping to me because it was special ordered when it was new with lots of luxuries and H-D goodies (Cooling sys, Brakes, Extra Capacity Rear leaf springs up to 7500 lb springs, Cruise, Power everything and more)

[Chief Smackaho]

One of my main concerns is causing new damage while trying to fix the old damage. I know no matter how careful you are there is always a potential for "oops!" Has anyone tried this, and what was the end result?

[Chief Smackaho]

Just got pics of it. It's not pretty but it will be. I did have a grille in it until someone pulled out in front of me. the junk red fender and hood were on it when I bought it.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/Chief_Smackaho/1985%20Chevy%20Silverado/IMG_0408.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/Chief_Smackaho/1985%20Chevy%20Silverado/IMG_0410.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/Chief_Smackaho/1985%20Chevy%20Silverado/IMG_0409.jpg

Some of why it is worth keeping to me'
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/Chief_Smackaho/1985%20Chevy%20Silverado/IMG_0412.jpg

You can see more of the lean to the pass side in this one
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/Chief_Smackaho/1985%20Chevy%20Silverado/IMG_0415.jpg

[RHGuyettejr]

Definitely spend the money if you want it to ride right, I have seen some people get it close with similar methods. If you are going to be driving it a lot it will save you money in tires in the long run, if it is just a yard truck then Id say go for the chain.

[Chief Smackaho]

Thank you for the reply, It's my DD right now. I do plan on lots of restore work for it.

[Chief Smackaho]

Nobody has done this before?

[LeoP]

Find an old time frame shop and get it fixed by a shop, good luck with your truck.

[ashworth]

i'd have a pro do it. yanking it around with a chain isn't very precise and there is greater possibility of causing more damage. some things are OK to do backyard fixes on, for me, frames aren't one.

[Chief Smackaho]

That's what I was concerned about. Thank you all for your responses and input. I will start calling shops, as I do want to modify this truck and want a stable platform for it all.

[ashworth]

http://www.powerblocktv.com/player/show_player.php?ep_show=TK&ep_num=TK2009-10