Help removing body from frame

[jwbures]

Are there any tips on removing the body from the frame? I dont want to separate the front from the rear. I was hoping to use some stands I have, bolt to the body mounts in the front and rear, roll to the side then rotate the body a few degrees to work the bottom side but the center is a weak link.

What have you done before?
What works?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Take care,
Josh

 

[broncomanbrad]

If you're still going to use your body, as you are, you probably want to put a brace between your door posts and striker posts. Also make sure that EVERYTHING is disconnected from the frame and body. If there is even one wire it is a bugger to screw around with. If you have an aux gas tank it'll probably be hooked up to the body. The emergency brake is also hooked up to the bottem of the body so make sure you get that too. Have fun and make sure to have at least 2 people to lift the body. If not..... you'll probably spend more time swearing than anyone wants to.

 

[CDOG]

Weld or bolt in some supports between the front and rear door posts to keep the body from flexing when you lift it. With everything pulled out of the inside and the front fenders off, and no top, glasss or doors, I lifted my body off with one friend on the drivers side and me on the pass. side and a neighbor lifting the back. The majority of the work was done by the two of us at the middle of the door openings. The back end guy didn't really have much to do. Four would have been better and safer but I had to make due. An engine hoist is one option and people on this site have done it and made it work. I was just about to try that. Also, the three of us are about average strength wise. I have it on three saw horses for now.

 

[jwbures]

You know I do feel like a real idiot. I didnt even think to put a brace between the door and striker posts to form a bridge, and I'm pretty crafty. That's something I'll have to do in the morning.

I appreciate the advice.

Josh

 

[rellimgneb]

I didn't put any braces in mine when I lifted it off but I had all new floor boards in it so it was pretty sturdy. We used high lift jacks and a 2x4 under the rockers and it lifted right off no problem. Then we just rolled the frame out from underneath. I had about 8 friends around to do it but only needed a couple. It went smooth and easy. I have it sitting on two saw horses now and it's doing fine. I have pictures in a thread titled, "1st rebuild" if you want to see how it was done. I was in a hurry to get it off but I would also recommend bracing the doors just in case.

 

[MikeEB]

Here is the link to rellimgneb's thread. Pretty easy to do with limited help.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80878