Looks good. I never thought that off roading could damage my truck like that. Of course I haven’t done anything serious as of yet. Great video. I need to catch up. My next project is fender flares.
Cool, video guys. I have a 2016 chevy colorado and I was wondering about a way to stiffen up the frame as well. I do a lot of off-roading and yes the bed of my truck has tapped the back of the cab of the track a few times.
I put the AEV transmission skid on . I would still be having nightmares about those carrage head bolts if i hadn't made the executive decision to throw them in the bush and install hex head bolts . Makes you wonder about the designer 🤔
I remember watching the press release of this generation of Colorado and they were claiming a fully box frame stronger than the c channel Tacoma. So I am surprised this truck flexes. I would have like to see the same test with the Tacoma.
Yeah, we'll see. This is not an issue I'm experiencing. I don't carry much weight. I do a fair amount of towing but not off-road. I've mostly seen people (like Nate from Dirt Lifestyle) only need to modify or reinforce the frame when they start doing extensive suspension modifications... axle swaps and such.
I am I reading it correctly that welding the stiffener braces in reduced the total flex by 0.06"? I would have expected much more than 1/16" difference. Is the frame flex forward of that area too?
The guys did a good job on the testing. Frames have flex but it's possible a better flex test would have been pulling the hitch down to simulate tongue weight. Since we see failure at that hole the plates allow for the frame to flex as it was designed to do and yet strengthen the failure point. The vast amount of people who have installed these notice a significant reduction in the bed bouncing around and contacting the cab.
Good idea on the tongue weight test. We'll definitely keep everyone updated if more frame touching occurs or doesn't. Since it's now been reinforced and the cab is already dented in, I believe it's fair to say it would take a significant hit to make the bed touch the cab again.
@@JasonExplainsThings the goal was to reduce the possibility of damage or at least increase the strength near the failure point. That said, frames bend and flex so I'm not surprised the test only showed a ~10% strength increase. The metal thickness of the frame at that crumple zone is now ~50% thicker. I also incorporated the crumple zone into the plate so that in the event of a significant rear end accident it should still crumple there.
I was looking at a 4x4 Colorado that was already semi-built that seemed to be on the cheaper side. But then noticed the CarFax said past frame damage and passed on it. I suspect the issue was the one you are trying to prevent with this mod.
First I wanted to thank you guys for all of the bison videos. I’ve been looking at getting these plates welded on, however I was reading heat from welding can weaken the frame, was this something you were concerned with?
From our research it shouldn’t damage the frame provided it’s done properly and you don’t burn all the way through the steel. We were careful to first tack it in place and then work around the plate and allowing it to cool a few times. But yeah we are not pros as we freely admit.
@@JasonExplainsThings I’ve come to a similar conclusion from what I’ve been able to find online. Seriously though, I really do appreciate all your videos, I actually did S tech switches, Baja designs lights on my truck front + rear and your video helped a ton.
@@BadlandIndustries Yeah, I was thinking that. I don't think cutting a bit from the looped part of the bracket will diminish any strength from the bracket once it's welded on.
@@JasonExplainsThings I’ve heard on old trick for keeping soft top windows clean is rub bananas on it. Could be a fun video to try different methods. thanks for the responses!
I ordered the frame stiffeners and after watching the entire video I realized they won’t work with the 589 shock relocation kit that I already have welded I place…..
Essentially cut the loop where you can't weld. Ideally you would install these plates before the shock relocation but there's no reason you can't install the plates after the fact.
Thats crazy that those trucks would roll off the factory floor with that massive flaw. I mean thats normal for a chevy to do that after the normal chevy rust kicks in and the frame folds in on itself. Might as well bite the bullet and do a w150 frame swap. Wouldnt have diff glitter issues and have a frame that would last 10 lifetimes
Oh snap! In all fairness this only presents itself after some pretty extreme off-roading. Although some of the broken frame photos I found were also from towing heavy. The truck is rated up to 7000 lbs. Maybe it shouldn’t be? 🤷🏻♂️
@@JasonExplainsThings 3rd gen tuchs are rated at 7700 and they moved the crumple zone back behind the bump pad like I suggested in my installation video
@@JasonExplainsThings I think alot of trucks now are over rated on their towing cap and thats seen by the sheer amount of diffs being shredded recently. I know a guy at work who brags about how "heavy" he tows with his 4 banger diesel and i would pay for a full diff service to see the inside of it and the bearings. I dont think he actually tows heavy and hes full of shit but no way should those frames flex and bend like that. I dont know about you but the roads around here can be bad enough that off roading can happen on the road very easily.
@@BadlandIndustries Awesome. Yeah the new truck really did a good job fixing all the common issues. Seems like maybe a few more are popping up related to electronics.
You need flex in the frame. Otherwise you stress the joints and contact point bits. Look up mechanical engineering frame flexion. If your truck is flexing and not breaking its working as designed. Under load it Needs to flex. 101
Wait. Is this a legitimate 4x4 vehicle designed for off-road then the back beds separate? Then when you go to fix it and weld it, it voids the warranty? Y’all help me understand. You fix a defect in a vehicle designed to go off road and then the company that designed that vehicle tells you that the warranty no longer valid? I don’t understand.
People call it a defect but it isn't. It is an intentional design for occupant protection in a rear end crash allowing the frame to aborb the impact. It is not a problem if towing heavy, high payload, OR off-roading. But combine these things and creates a potential. If you have a heavy payload or are towing, and going off-road, then stiffening the frame may be a consideration.
Chris. You knew this one was coming. 😉 Yeah I love my 4Runner and Tacoma. I appreciate the Colorado too. And I’m glad Chevy fixed many of the big issues with the new gen.
Since Jason welded on it, the warranty is voided LMAO
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Come on man! One tack weld can’t do that much damage right?! 🥹
I'll allow it
A grinder and paint makes me the welder I ain't.
Not many people who support the colorado offroad platform. Love your series!
Thanks! Means a lot. Yeah we have a couple more planned things. But the checklist is pretty well finished.
Love the dial indicator measurement!
Credit to Nate for that! I’m really glad we did that test. It was very interesting.
a grinder and paint makes me the welder I aint. lol.....good stuff. always enjoyed the Chris' Colorado content.
Yeah I’m excited to learn.
I can’t get enough of the Bison upgrade videos!!! Love this
Appreciate you! Thanks so much for watching
Good video Jason. Good to see Chris’ Bison again.
It's nice you guys are having fun, not being too serious but still competent. 👍
That could be this channel’s slogan. 🙌
Looks good. I never thought that off roading could damage my truck like that. Of course I haven’t done anything serious as of yet. Great video. I need to catch up. My next project is fender flares.
If you don’t have a lot of weight in the bed then you’ll likely be fine. This popped up for the first time on that Oregon trip.
@@JasonExplainsThings I just read Oregon Trail 🤦♂️🤪
love moab brewery. make sure you stop in to Proper!
Never been. I need to make a pilgrimage!
Cool, video guys. I have a 2016 chevy colorado and I was wondering about a way to stiffen up the frame as well. I do a lot of off-roading and yes the bed of my truck has tapped the back of the cab of the track a few times.
Great video, thanks Jason 👍😁
Thanks for all the support Dave!
There's so much science happening in this video. Would you just look at all that science. 😂
Science... far as the eyes could see!
Beautiful truck I love it
I put the AEV transmission skid on . I would still be having nightmares about those carrage head bolts if i hadn't made the executive decision to throw them in the bush and install hex head bolts . Makes you wonder about the designer 🤔
Yeah it wasn’t exactly fun. 🤣
I remember watching the press release of this generation of Colorado and they were claiming a fully box frame stronger than the c channel Tacoma. So I am surprised this truck flexes.
I would have like to see the same test with the Tacoma.
Yeah, we'll see. This is not an issue I'm experiencing. I don't carry much weight. I do a fair amount of towing but not off-road. I've mostly seen people (like Nate from Dirt Lifestyle) only need to modify or reinforce the frame when they start doing extensive suspension modifications... axle swaps and such.
I am I reading it correctly that welding the stiffener braces in reduced the total flex by 0.06"? I would have expected much more than 1/16" difference. Is the frame flex forward of that area too?
The guys did a good job on the testing. Frames have flex but it's possible a better flex test would have been pulling the hitch down to simulate tongue weight. Since we see failure at that hole the plates allow for the frame to flex as it was designed to do and yet strengthen the failure point. The vast amount of people who have installed these notice a significant reduction in the bed bouncing around and contacting the cab.
Good idea on the tongue weight test. We'll definitely keep everyone updated if more frame touching occurs or doesn't. Since it's now been reinforced and the cab is already dented in, I believe it's fair to say it would take a significant hit to make the bed touch the cab again.
@@JasonExplainsThings the goal was to reduce the possibility of damage or at least increase the strength near the failure point. That said, frames bend and flex so I'm not surprised the test only showed a ~10% strength increase. The metal thickness of the frame at that crumple zone is now ~50% thicker. I also incorporated the crumple zone into the plate so that in the event of a significant rear end accident it should still crumple there.
I was looking at a 4x4 Colorado that was already semi-built that seemed to be on the cheaper side. But then noticed the CarFax said past frame damage and passed on it. I suspect the issue was the one you are trying to prevent with this mod.
Good call. 👍
First I wanted to thank you guys for all of the bison videos. I’ve been looking at getting these plates welded on, however I was reading heat from welding can weaken the frame, was this something you were concerned with?
From our research it shouldn’t damage the frame provided it’s done properly and you don’t burn all the way through the steel. We were careful to first tack it in place and then work around the plate and allowing it to cool a few times.
But yeah we are not pros as we freely admit.
@@JasonExplainsThings I’ve come to a similar conclusion from what I’ve been able to find online. Seriously though, I really do appreciate all your videos, I actually did S tech switches, Baja designs lights on my truck front + rear and your video helped a ton.
How much weight do you typically carry in the bed and on your racks when you’re off roading?
That'd be a Chris question. But the tent isn't light. GFC says it weighs 135 lbs, but it's likely more.
@@JasonExplainsThings yep. It looks like he’s got quite a bit back there.
I fixed my Colorado frame flex problems, I traded in my 2019 Colorado for a Subaru. >.
not everyone needs a lifestyle ZR2
I wonder how this kit would work if you have the 589 Fab rear shock kit that moves the rear shocks outside the frame?
Just cut the front loop where you can't weld
@@BadlandIndustries Yeah, I was thinking that. I don't think cutting a bit from the looped part of the bracket will diminish any strength from the bracket once it's welded on.
@@kelseyhayes8171 strength is achieved around the crumple zone. The loop was more for locating then much else.
Another great vid, what soft top is on your Tacoma?
Made by Softopper. I need to do a video covering it. It's been on my truck for a year. :-)
@@JasonExplainsThings please do! Let us know how it is without having side windows. I’m guessing major blind spots?
It’s not bad honestly. Only visibility negative is the back flexible window like to collect dust, frost and ice. It’s harder to keep clear than glass.
@@JasonExplainsThings I’ve heard on old trick for keeping soft top windows clean is rub bananas on it. Could be a fun video to try different methods. thanks for the responses!
I ordered the frame stiffeners and after watching the entire video I realized they won’t work with the 589 shock relocation kit that I already have welded I place…..
So I believe they will. You’ll need to notch a part of the plate off. The Badland Industries guy said that to another guy asking that question.
@@JasonExplainsThings I’ll try that when they arrive
You'll just trim the front loop, the added strength is behind the shock mount.
Essentially cut the loop where you can't weld. Ideally you would install these plates before the shock relocation but there's no reason you can't install the plates after the fact.
589 Fab just introduced a stiffener that works with the relocation kit. Brand new product
Thats crazy that those trucks would roll off the factory floor with that massive flaw. I mean thats normal for a chevy to do that after the normal chevy rust kicks in and the frame folds in on itself.
Might as well bite the bullet and do a w150 frame swap. Wouldnt have diff glitter issues and have a frame that would last 10 lifetimes
Oh snap! In all fairness this only presents itself after some pretty extreme off-roading. Although some of the broken frame photos I found were also from towing heavy. The truck is rated up to 7000 lbs. Maybe it shouldn’t be? 🤷🏻♂️
@@JasonExplainsThings 3rd gen tuchs are rated at 7700 and they moved the crumple zone back behind the bump pad like I suggested in my installation video
@@JasonExplainsThings I think alot of trucks now are over rated on their towing cap and thats seen by the sheer amount of diffs being shredded recently.
I know a guy at work who brags about how "heavy" he tows with his 4 banger diesel and i would pay for a full diff service to see the inside of it and the bearings. I dont think he actually tows heavy and hes full of shit but no way should those frames flex and bend like that. I dont know about you but the roads around here can be bad enough that off roading can happen on the road very easily.
@@BadlandIndustries Awesome. Yeah the new truck really did a good job fixing all the common issues. Seems like maybe a few more are popping up related to electronics.
@@JasonExplainsThings yeah they did an update last week that failed. Seemed to only affect a few trucks all toll.
You need flex in the frame. Otherwise you stress the joints and contact point bits. Look up mechanical engineering frame flexion. If your truck is flexing and not breaking its working as designed. Under load it Needs to flex. 101
It still does flex. I’d encourage some research into this common issue with Colorados.
Too much weight on the upper portion of the bed. The weight needs to be kept much lower in the bed.
Wait. Is this a legitimate 4x4 vehicle designed for off-road then the back beds separate? Then when you go to fix it and weld it, it voids the warranty? Y’all help me understand. You fix a defect in a vehicle designed to go off road and then the company that designed that vehicle tells you that the warranty no longer valid? I don’t understand.
People call it a defect but it isn't. It is an intentional design for occupant protection in a rear end crash allowing the frame to aborb the impact. It is not a problem if towing heavy, high payload, OR off-roading. But combine these things and creates a potential. If you have a heavy payload or are towing, and going off-road, then stiffening the frame may be a consideration.
@@BowTied69"safety feature"
The tent was installed way too forward to begin with.
Looks like a mig welder
Engineering 101. Lol I would buy a Toyota. They last longer and hold values better for a reason.
Chris. You knew this one was coming. 😉 Yeah I love my 4Runner and Tacoma. I appreciate the Colorado too. And I’m glad Chevy fixed many of the big issues with the new gen.
If you like Toyotas, Jason has a bunch of videos about his Green 3rd gen.
i can make frame plate for the tacomas too lol
@@BadlandIndustries Make plates to box the frame on 2nd and 3rd gen tacomas!
@@aevnate4140 I'll consider it. I have access to both vehicles and a 3d scanner.