Custom Notch

After being nervous for about 2 weeks as my truck went "under the knife" to get a custom c-notch, it's finally done and I'm pretty happy with the results. I had a couple of requirements for the notch:

• I wanted the arch to be strong, as strong as the original frame if possible, which is quite a challenge given how much metal was going to be removed. I figure if an arch is good enough for the Romans, it's good enough for me! (See Frame Notch Strength Testing for info on various notch types.)
• I wanted the frame "boxed" (i.e., a reinforcement plate on both sides of the frame.)
• I wanted as few places as possible for road salt to collect since this is my daily driver and this will be driven in the Winter

Overall, the company that did the work definitely came through! I didn't realize the reinforcement plates would be smoothed into the frame until I got home and looked at it. Heck, if I didn't know better, I'd think that the truck came this way.

Obviously, there's no provision for a bump-stop at the moment. I'm trying to decide if I want to have a bracket welded to the side of the frame or if I want to mount an inverted bump-stop on the axle. I hate to ruin the smooth look by putting any ugly bracket right in the middle, but I might not have a choice. If I put in air-bags, would I even need a bump-stop? I'm pretty sure I'm going to do bags because I want some load carrying capacity.

If you live in the Midwest and want to know more about who did the work, give send me an IM I'm not sure if the company that did this would want to do another one or not

Unfortunately, my truck isn't actually lowered yet, so no complete truck pics... it's just a stock 2013 regular cab for now.

Driver's side...



Driver's side box plate...



Passenger side...

 

that looks nuts man i love it looks like he used a dim template sorta and just rounded it or something like that i can't tell but looks really clean man

i havent installed my DJM notch yet and i knw i can be 6" drop out back and run it but I've been wondering if i should have a local shop weld me a slightly larger notch than the djm if thats even possible we will see ill prolly be asking around some shops

but dayum bro congrats it looks sturdy and smooth love the paint!!!
can't wait to see when you lower it on your secret wheels

EXCELLENT!!!!

 

How much did that run??