Open source frame brackets for bolt on slider fabrication
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1 Bored Clerk
Explorer
Small update: I got a response from the last vendor that I asked to quote these frame plates. $280! That's with a discount because of my company's working relationship with them. This just makes me even more happy about the $128 I paid! But, I told you I would give you all the information so, here you go...information. 
keezer37
Explorer
That job sucked bad. Metal working (if I can even call it that) with a hacksaw and file takes its toll on your hands and self esteem.
For future reference a Dremel with a 9901 tungsten carbide cutter shaves steel like it were a soap carving. A wonderful gnarly little digger. And these cut-off wheels are ham dandy also.
Beyond that, :lurk:
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1 Bored Clerk
Explorer
1 Bored Clerk
Explorer
Update:
Things take two to three times longer than you think...in general. So, following that rule, I didn't get done nearly as much as I'd hoped last weekend. I did get all of the backing plates done, though! Cut/drilled/welded nuts. My plan is to get the sliders bolted up for their final 'test fit' this weekend and make all the notes I need to alter the CAD file. I'll make a separate file for all of the backing plates that I made. Hopefully, we'll see a file release note next week!! With any luck, I'll also be able to make some headway actually welding the slider legs to these frame plates. I also got my Relentless skids in so I can start working those into the design. Lots to do!!
Things take two to three times longer than you think...in general. So, following that rule, I didn't get done nearly as much as I'd hoped last weekend. I did get all of the backing plates done, though! Cut/drilled/welded nuts. My plan is to get the sliders bolted up for their final 'test fit' this weekend and make all the notes I need to alter the CAD file. I'll make a separate file for all of the backing plates that I made. Hopefully, we'll see a file release note next week!! With any luck, I'll also be able to make some headway actually welding the slider legs to these frame plates. I also got my Relentless skids in so I can start working those into the design. Lots to do!!
1 Bored Clerk
Explorer
The files are done! I'll put up a complete post tonight that has all of my update photos as well as the info on how to request the files, etc.
1 Bored Clerk
Explorer
Well, I can't post pictures. This happened to me last week when I was trying to upload photos as well. I hit the picture icon and the screen goes gray and locks up. Hopefully this straightens out. I don't have problems on other forums...
Hmmm...
Hmmm...
juicebox
Adventurer
Same thing happened to me when I was trying to post photos of my truck. If you are using Photobucket, just use the bottom IMG link on the right rather than clicking the picture icon on the forum. Just paste the photobucket IMG link directly into your post.
1 Bored Clerk
Explorer
Excellent tip! It looks like it's going to let me post with the picture icon now so I'll do that. I'll certainly keep this in mind for future issues, though.
1 Bored Clerk
Explorer
Okay, made some good progress on the sliders:
These are the brackets for the front two bolts that are up in the boxed section of the frame. By welding the two together with a bridge, it's MUCH easier to get the bolts in. Notice that the back plate is horizontal and the front plate is vertical. This is important because there is a ledge in the frame where it doubles in thickness where the back bolt goes. Also, the bridge between the two plates has to be raised because there is a seam inside the frame that the bridge must go over.
Frame plate modified to fit frame. Also had to do some tweaking of the brake lines here. Gentle pressure with your hands is enough to do the job.
More frame plates...and my belly and crotch.
I welded a piece of angle bracket to this frame plate to help space out the brake lines. This meant I had to do less bending to the lines and everything clears the bolts quite nicely.
Welding the legs on the frame plates. Let's just agree to NOT discuss my welding skillz.
It fits! Bolt it up to the truck to make sure I measured correctly. Looks like I did.
Welding the main beams on.
Driver's side. There is 3/4" clearance in all directions. Hopefully that's enough!
Passenger's side. Same deal...
I'm finishing up the cut files for the rest of the slider that will be welded onto the outside of the main beam. Hopefully I'm a mere few weeks from being done.
These are the brackets for the front two bolts that are up in the boxed section of the frame. By welding the two together with a bridge, it's MUCH easier to get the bolts in. Notice that the back plate is horizontal and the front plate is vertical. This is important because there is a ledge in the frame where it doubles in thickness where the back bolt goes. Also, the bridge between the two plates has to be raised because there is a seam inside the frame that the bridge must go over.
Frame plate modified to fit frame. Also had to do some tweaking of the brake lines here. Gentle pressure with your hands is enough to do the job.
More frame plates...and my belly and crotch.
I welded a piece of angle bracket to this frame plate to help space out the brake lines. This meant I had to do less bending to the lines and everything clears the bolts quite nicely.
Welding the legs on the frame plates. Let's just agree to NOT discuss my welding skillz.
It fits! Bolt it up to the truck to make sure I measured correctly. Looks like I did.
Welding the main beams on.
Driver's side. There is 3/4" clearance in all directions. Hopefully that's enough!
Passenger's side. Same deal...
I'm finishing up the cut files for the rest of the slider that will be welded onto the outside of the main beam. Hopefully I'm a mere few weeks from being done.
1 Bored Clerk
Explorer
Okay, let's talk files. After all, this whole thing started with the promise that I would release the files to anyone who requests them.
Here's what I have available:
Frame plate CAD (Solidworks 2012, 2013)
Frame plate cut file (DWG) - This file type should work for any laser or waterjet cutter. I assume it would work for a CNC plasma as well.
Quoting document and project overview (PDF) - This document gives all the information that a bender should need to get the project done. It's what I submitted when I had mine done and there were no questions and the end product was spot on.
Print file (PDF) - This is a print file that you can take to FedEx/Kinko's, Office Depot, etc to print paper versions of the frame plates. You can use these to check approximate fitment on your truck (DCSB, AC), what mods you may need to make for other trucks (RC, DCLB), or to glue to metal and start cutting!
What to do with the files once you receive them:
When I sent out for quote, I sent the PDF and the DWG. This allows the shop to calculate material, cut time, and # of bends. Plus, if you want to go with the shop, they already have all of your files. You can just give them the green light and they can go.
The Solidworks file would be for those of you that want to make changes on your own. You will need access to Solidworks 2013 to do much with it. I can save out stp files (and other stuff upon request) for those of you using other CAD programs. Please only request the CAD files (or any other version of this file) if you are ACTUALLY going to use them.
I would prefer not to make a fully dimensioned drawing but, for those of you who would like to cut all of this yourself, at home (don't recommend unless shops in your area are really expensive), I could probably get that done. I'd ask a guy at work to handle that for me.
Stipulations:
1. Be cool. *Amended* Don't get these files then turn around and start selling them (files or frame plates). You can sell the frame plates as part of your complete sliders...but I will require you to post a link in your for sale thread back to this thread to give credit to my hard work. Giving a shout out on your website, if you have one, would be cool as well. Also, please do not give these files to some shop without passing on these rules. This is open-source and I would prefer if it stayed that way. I won't, of course, call your mom if you do start selling them, I'll just look disapprovingly in your direction. Also, ask questions...and answer questions. Noob or not, doesn't matter in this thread. Hopefully any ************** people/comments will be ignored. Don't be 'that guy' in here. Thanks.
2. Share. Post up your project and cost findings. I would love it if you either put your build/findings in this thread or put a link to your slider build in this thread. I will try to work with those of you with standard cabs and DCLB to get a file for those as well. If you use my CAD and modify to fit either a SC or DCLB, please offer it up here. Keep it active and alive. The whole reason I've spent HOURS messing with this is to get our learn on! And bump up the creativity!
3. Feedback. If you need to tweak the frame plate (hole doesn't line up well, etc) when you get it back from cutting/bending, let me know so I can see about tweaking the CAD file for everyone else! Post it up in here and send me a PM.
That's pretty much it. Simple.
Send me a PM with your PERSONAL EMAIL address and I'll send you whichever files you request. Make sure you specify which files you want! Any request outside of what is listed above will be filled if possible...as soon as I can make it happen. I want your personal email address for simplicity. I know how to attach files to an email with relative success. If you can embed downloadable files directly in a thread, let me know how and I'll be happy to place them right here for your convenience! Thanks.
**DISCLAIMER** You are downloading and using these files at your own risk. I am not an engineer and have not verified the strength or safety of this design. Due to manufacturing tolerances from Toyota as well as the tolerances found in the cutting/bending process, I cannot guarantee that any frame plate made directly from this file will fit your particular vehicle.
Here's what I have available:
Frame plate CAD (Solidworks 2012, 2013)
Frame plate cut file (DWG) - This file type should work for any laser or waterjet cutter. I assume it would work for a CNC plasma as well.
Quoting document and project overview (PDF) - This document gives all the information that a bender should need to get the project done. It's what I submitted when I had mine done and there were no questions and the end product was spot on.
Print file (PDF) - This is a print file that you can take to FedEx/Kinko's, Office Depot, etc to print paper versions of the frame plates. You can use these to check approximate fitment on your truck (DCSB, AC), what mods you may need to make for other trucks (RC, DCLB), or to glue to metal and start cutting!
What to do with the files once you receive them:
When I sent out for quote, I sent the PDF and the DWG. This allows the shop to calculate material, cut time, and # of bends. Plus, if you want to go with the shop, they already have all of your files. You can just give them the green light and they can go.
The Solidworks file would be for those of you that want to make changes on your own. You will need access to Solidworks 2013 to do much with it. I can save out stp files (and other stuff upon request) for those of you using other CAD programs. Please only request the CAD files (or any other version of this file) if you are ACTUALLY going to use them.
I would prefer not to make a fully dimensioned drawing but, for those of you who would like to cut all of this yourself, at home (don't recommend unless shops in your area are really expensive), I could probably get that done. I'd ask a guy at work to handle that for me.
Stipulations:
1. Be cool. *Amended* Don't get these files then turn around and start selling them (files or frame plates). You can sell the frame plates as part of your complete sliders...but I will require you to post a link in your for sale thread back to this thread to give credit to my hard work. Giving a shout out on your website, if you have one, would be cool as well. Also, please do not give these files to some shop without passing on these rules. This is open-source and I would prefer if it stayed that way. I won't, of course, call your mom if you do start selling them, I'll just look disapprovingly in your direction. Also, ask questions...and answer questions. Noob or not, doesn't matter in this thread. Hopefully any ************** people/comments will be ignored. Don't be 'that guy' in here. Thanks.
2. Share. Post up your project and cost findings. I would love it if you either put your build/findings in this thread or put a link to your slider build in this thread. I will try to work with those of you with standard cabs and DCLB to get a file for those as well. If you use my CAD and modify to fit either a SC or DCLB, please offer it up here. Keep it active and alive. The whole reason I've spent HOURS messing with this is to get our learn on! And bump up the creativity!
3. Feedback. If you need to tweak the frame plate (hole doesn't line up well, etc) when you get it back from cutting/bending, let me know so I can see about tweaking the CAD file for everyone else! Post it up in here and send me a PM.
That's pretty much it. Simple.
Send me a PM with your PERSONAL EMAIL address and I'll send you whichever files you request. Make sure you specify which files you want! Any request outside of what is listed above will be filled if possible...as soon as I can make it happen. I want your personal email address for simplicity. I know how to attach files to an email with relative success. If you can embed downloadable files directly in a thread, let me know how and I'll be happy to place them right here for your convenience! Thanks.
**DISCLAIMER** You are downloading and using these files at your own risk. I am not an engineer and have not verified the strength or safety of this design. Due to manufacturing tolerances from Toyota as well as the tolerances found in the cutting/bending process, I cannot guarantee that any frame plate made directly from this file will fit your particular vehicle.
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jeverich
Luddite
Very nice..
I just laid everything out with soapstone on my garage floor..
Prototype for a guy with a DCSB.. It was all a learning process. I'm sure you already know, if you plan on gusseting your legs, place your gusset on the edge of your tubing. I had a brain fart, and put it right in the center of the tube; which is far weaker than the edges. Although, if there's enough force involved to separate welds and tear .120" tube.. there's bigger issues..
Nice work! Wish that I had the skills to mock up my design in Solidworks.
I just laid everything out with soapstone on my garage floor..
Prototype for a guy with a DCSB.. It was all a learning process. I'm sure you already know, if you plan on gusseting your legs, place your gusset on the edge of your tubing. I had a brain fart, and put it right in the center of the tube; which is far weaker than the edges. Although, if there's enough force involved to separate welds and tear .120" tube.. there's bigger issues..
Nice work! Wish that I had the skills to mock up my design in Solidworks.
1 Bored Clerk
Explorer
Yeah, I was going to slap the gussets right in the middle like you did. I used 3/16" wall tubing so I'm probably good but I'll probably move my gussets to the edge now that you've mentioned it. By the way, those sliders look great! Solidworks is great but it's easy to get wrapped around the axle fiddling in that program. Sometimes you just need to get out there and physically do something! Grip it and rip it, I guess.
1 Bored Clerk
Explorer
Just sent out the cut files for quote for the step portion of my sliders. Hopefully I get a quick turn and good price like I did on the frame plates! I already have a shop lined up for the tube bending portion of the build but I'm going to wait until I have the rest of it all welded up so they have something to fit the tubing to.
deadbeat son
Explorer
Great work, and awesome gesture to share the files and progress gratis!