Belltech notch gap

[Geoff Walliser]

I found a thread in 2014 with the same issue but no others complaining.

Anyone else have a Belltech notch that doesn't fit the frame tight at all? There is 5/16" of space between the bottom and the frame. I'm suppose to bolt the bottom of the notch to the frame, but that would cause some serious bending with the fasteners.

I have all the right parts, even power nations GMT400 belltech notch install on their truck had the same space. I feel like trimming off the top plate and re-welding it on tight.

Any input would put my mind at ease.

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[PlayingWithTBI]

Got any flat iron laying around? You can make a spacer and weld it in place.

 

[Geoff Walliser]

Got any flat iron laying around? You can make a spacer and weld it in place.

That's what I'm thinking too, I might space the top up to give me a bit more clearance from the notch.

 

[1996*GMC*SHORTBED]

without giving belltech any ideas or solutions when you call, ask them what they suggest happened & what THEIR solution would be. just curious. if they say, well...frame sizes vary, say every one you've ever seen has the same issue, so what gives?

 

[1996*GMC*SHORTBED]

with all that being said, knowing what I know now, I will always both bolt, AND weld my C-notches in place...

 

[Geoff Walliser]

Last email back from them was 11 a.m. after back and forth on part numbers (I had given them the notch kit part number, but they wanted to know the entire suspension kit ).

Needless to say it seems like they've ghosted for today. I don't have high hopes on what their suggestion would be.

What baffles me is lots recommended the belltech notch, I definitely wouldn't after this sloppy fit.

without giving belltech any ideas or solutions when you call, ask them what they suggest happened & what THEIR solution would be. just curious. if they say, well...frame sizes vary, say every one you've ever seen has the same issue, so what gives?

 

[Geoff Walliser]

I noticed on power nations belltech install they had the gap too. They mentioned bolting the bottom together but don't show it. I'd like to see what all bent!


11:00 in the video

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[Geoff Walliser]

with all that being said, knowing what I know now, I will always both bolt, AND weld my C-notches in place...

You don't ever worry about heat stressing the frame? Read about that lots... but with extra meat can't see it being a thing.

 

[1996*GMC*SHORTBED]

You don't ever worry about heat stressing the frame? Read about that lots... but with extra meat can't see it being a thing.

no, not really. you weld a bit at a time here & there.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

I wouldn't heat the frame, I'd weld the spacer to the C-notch then bolt it together.