FRAME QUESTION

[peanutman]

Hey guys, hope you can help. Pulled off my front bumper the other day and i guess there called bumper horns but is where bumper bolts on. It looks like both are slightly bent towards passenger side.
Bumper was only pushed up about 2" on driverside. valance pan has big gouge right in middle.
Can't tell if this is orig bumper, no markings but bumper was not in bind and bolts right up. Is this normal and if not how do i figure out how much there off and to bend them back so bumper will line up. Getting new bumper cause chrome is worn off in spots.

[Steve302]

Hello,
First measure your frame horns in an X pattern. for example pick 2 exact points on the furthest part of your frame (crossmember rivets work good) to 2 exact points at the front tips of your horns. Try to get a straight shot with the tabe measurer avoiding interference frnt suspension parts, exhaust etc. measure across from one rail to the opposite rail. see if the numbers are the same or close, this will tell you if the frame is square.
Also check to make sure the cab and radiatio support is square to the frame, hood alignment, bed to cab alignment. you may want to check the fenders for square bu using the same method as i explained for checking the frame. this may tell you alot.
If your frame horns are actually pushed over more than an inch, it should be obvious just by looking at them.

[fordman]

the horns should be nice and straight.

[peanutman]

Ok from what yall are telling me mine are slightly bent. How do you straighten them and how could they have gotten bent with no other damage. all doors and fenders line up well. Every thing except maybe bumper looks orig. They look off by 1/2 to 1 inch

[Steve302]

Hello,
I am assuming its a 2wd, and if so the horns are very weak due to the first front crossmember being so far back.
Though many would say "NO!" I would simply heat them at the bent point and bend them back to align.
But before doing this make darn sure thats the problem

[peanutman]

They are bent so slightly i see no bend marks. thought about heating w/torch and taking comalong and carefully bebding them back and taking constanant measurments so my bumper will line up with body on both sides and mount holes line up.