So I was intrigued by the subject of truck frames on another thread and decided to start it's own thread. Here's what I know, or think I know, which may or may not be true thus the reason for the thread.


The Tundra has what Toyota calls a Triple Tech frame
The front third is boxed for strength to carry the engine and provide frontal crash protection. The middle, where the cabin sits, is a rolled C-channel with top and bottom flanged reinforcements for strength but also to provide better ride comfort. The rear section is an open C-channel for maximum bending resistance and strength to carry heavy loads.

Now here's my thinking, is it possible that some trucks have the cab positioned more toward the front then others depending on cab type and bed length thus the difference in rides?

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I'm going to the dealership today for some service and will walk over to the Toyota Dealership and crawl under a Tundra and check out the frame. I may, or may not share my thoughts!

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2005 Nissan Titan SE
Lookin' for off-roading buddies!!!!

I was told that the C-Channel frame was in place to allow for a little "give" when carrying a load. That the frame would flex slightly to avoid snapping under max conditions. Is it true? Dunno'

Would like to find out though.

Hmmmm, I was wrong about what frame the 2007 Dodge HD has. It seems that it's in reality a Hydroformed, fully-boxed frame with advanced torsional rigidity and
bending stiffness and interestingly enough is also used on the 1500 per dodge.

Here's a great article on hydroforming. Hydroforming Techniques and I'm still looking for info on C channel frames.

I did a lot of searching on the "C" Channel frames and for the most part it seems that it is used more for ride quality and ease of keeping wiring up inside it so as not to be damaged.

Also according to everything I read the boxed frame is a lot better for off roading then the "C" channel frame, Which would make sense. The last thing you would want is to much frame and body flex when going through rough terrain.

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I was reading where commercial trucks have C-Channel frames also for ease of configuring them for different boxes, beds, etc and also wiring. So I would have to conclude that you don't loose any Frame strength with a C Channel if they're good enough for the likes of the Dodge 4500 and 5500 commercial trucks.

The Titans frame is a fully boxed ladder frame supplied by Tower Automotive and even though Ferd loyalist point out it's really 2 C-Channel frames bonded together, rather than formed from one piece of material. Unlike Ferds F-150 the Titan’s frame’s cross members are welded into place for extra strength, rather than riveted.

The Titan has a boxed frame Squid (actually, I think they technically call it a "boxed ladder frame").

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2007 Tundra Limited Double Cab 4x4 Super White
Key FOB Tailgate Lock (courtesy of Toxarch)
OEM back-up camera w/flip down monitor
Sirius Satellite Radio
20" OEM alloy wheels
Line-X Bed liner
UWS Black Powdercoat Low Profile Toolbox
JC Whitney Black Nerf Bars
Lund Interceptor II Bug Shield
Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller

Yup made by Tower Automotive. I edited my post.

This is the type discussion that is really informative. Great info from all. Very good idea Squid. I would like to know just which style Tundra seems to exhibit the worst "bounce" everyone talks about. My RC does not bounce as badly as the Silverado I owned before. I have driven on some concrete roads with expansion joints and some of our coal haul roads and get a very smooth ride for a truck. Wonder if a lot of the bounce complaint is from owners who are not familiar with a truck ride?

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07 Tundra, slate metallic, regular cab, standard bed (6.5 ft. long) 5.7 engine, TRD dual exhaust, Steelcraft stainless step bars, Lund bug shield, Carriage Works billet grill insert, Weathertech vent visors, ScanGauge II, Code Alarm remote starter.

Shortbed Regular Cabs like mine and Pgilley's would have a rougher ride than the longer trucks in my experience, but their handlings characteristics would be tighter with less frame flex simply because of the length and the leverage that brings with it.

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Extang Trifecta, Prodigy brake controller

Ride fast, shoot straight!