2x2 for sfbd?

i'm getting ready to start building my frame for my mazda and i'm having a dilemma here...is 2x2 strong enough for frame work? if i go with 2x3 i'll have to body drop the cab in order to get the truck on flat rocker.... which should i do?

Most are gonna say no to 2x2, some are gonna say "It worked for me."

I'm not gonna touch the strength part, but question how the hell you would run the exhaust and have strong crossmembers? Lol.

i used 2x3 1/4 inch on mine and i modified the floor pans for the extra inch i needed, that and i had to raise the trans and drive shaft tunnel, so it made since to cut some more.But the seat area is still stock.

Originally posted by TwistedMinis



Most are gonna say no to 2x2, some are gonna say "It worked for me."

I'm not gonna touch the strength part, but question how the hell you would run the exhaust and have strong crossmembers? Lol.

"it worked for me" is not an answer i am looking for.

exhaust is the only thing i'm worried about as far as underneath the truck goes...i could run it beside the driveshaft through the tranny tunnel. ill just have to modify the floor a bit when i raise it.

what im really looking for is whether its worth the extra time and effort to try and do a 2x2 frame vs. just cutting the floor with 2x3?

i used 2x2 for my Sfbd, not done puttin everything back together but it seems to be stronge enough. with my exhaust i just ran it threw my tranny tunnel and then just made the tunnel wider. Seems to have worked.

Originally posted by trashed



Originally posted by TwistedMinis



Most are gonna say no to 2x2, some are gonna say "It worked for me."

I'm not gonna touch the strength part, but question how the hell you would run the exhaust and have strong crossmembers? Lol.

"it worked for me" is not an answer i am looking for.

exhaust is the only thing i'm worried about as far as underneath the truck goes...i could run it beside the driveshaft through the tranny tunnel. ill just have to modify the floor a bit when i raise it.

what im really looking for is whether its worth the extra time and effort to try and do a 2x2 frame vs. just cutting the floor with 2x3?

Personally I would go with 2X3. It's technically going to be much stronger because of the rectangular shape.

But if you want to go with 2x2, I would run 4 rails under the cab, rather than two, to stiffen it up. Run them maybe 6-8 inches apart and tie them together with more 2x2. Them I guess you could just clearance the floor for the exhaust.

But I'd still probably go 2x3.

I wouldn't run 2x2. Its only 2 X 2!
or run 2x3 on it side and 2 more rail in center w/2x2 like Seth said. Think about the longest flat part of each rail being right below where you sit and how much flex its going to go through.

i did one with 2.5x2.5 1/4 wall a couple years ago, and it worked, but it seemed to have more flex than i wanted, i would use 3x2 3/16 wall with the 3" standing up, i would be worried about the torsional stiffness of the frame having it only 2" tall..... if you are going to lay it on its side you might as well run 2x2.....

i am going to use 3.5 X 3.5 3/16 wallon a full size reg cab short bed, whats you opinion on that? it square but will it flex?
oh and it will be a 3/4 frame but swithcing to 3 X 3 3/16 wall after the cab...

I used 2x2 1/4 wall. I dropped it into the stock rail though. I also ran another rail about four inches in from the stock one. I dont feel any flex. I remeber the stock frame haveing some flex though. Just remeber if it doesnt flex it will probly break. But hey Im no rocket scientist.