Class 8 frame rail rules

[scottm]

I am trying to determine exactly what is legal for modifying the stock frame rails for max clearance and approach angle.

Here is everything the bitd rulebook says about relieving the front:

"CHASSIS
Original wheelbase plus or minus 2 inches must be retained.

Frame rails must remain stock shape, size, length, configuration, and material.

No material may be removed from frame rails with the exception of the following.

Frame rail exceptions:
A. The front end of the frame rail may be notched a maximum of 8 inches from the end for ground clearance. Top of frame rail must remain stock."


Does this mean you can only cut away the underside of the frame? If so, I have seen several trucks that seem to be cut entirely through the frame, this one for example:

Is it legal? If not, does anyone care? What do yall think?

[SPONSOR]

Membership in the largest desert racing community has its advantages - Participate in Forum Discussions - Send and Receive Private Messages - Maintain Public Photo Albums - Access to Groups - User Profile in our Social Network - Increased Access to more Sub Forums - Reduced Online Advertisements Join our community today

[Josh_K]

Your understnding is correct for bitd. Score says absolutly no material may be removed.

Most trucks have some rule infaction going so alot of things are allowed to slide. By this I mean tha most drivers and owners dont thorw stone when they live in glass houses. The one biggie is that if your truck has a notched frame over the rear axel, dont show up to a score race or any other race uses the score ruel book. Any one that finishes in secound place will try to DQ you if you win.

[Stephen]

I don't have my rule book here but I'm pretty sure score lets you do the same 8" ground clearance cut as bitd. Score also mentions specifically that you cannot narrow the frame rails. Other than not changing the frame, the motor and cab position seem to be what make class 8 what it is.

I think the frame in the pic is legal, it looks like 8" or less was removed from the bottom flange and the top flange was un modified.

[FullsizeFun]

scottm
what truck is that in the pic you posted? do you have more pics or a link to it?
thanks

[Ryan_P]

Looks as though that is Geiser built? I'm thinking it's the same truck and you can vaguely(sp?) make out a Geiser sticker in the background as well.

-Ryan

[Ramsey_ElWardani]

That looks like Dave Raimonde’s truck that is associated with Geiser’s shop (I believe he owns the building) and that Rick Geiser drives with Raimonde.

From the SCORE Rules:

Chassis

Original wheelbase ±1" must be maintained.
Frames may be strengthened by adding material but must retain original stock configuration. No lengthening or narrowing of frame is allowed. No removal of material is allowed.

Body

Body must maintain the original shape, size, configuration and appearance. Additional mounts or parts for body strengthening may be added. Mounting location (vertical, horizontal, lateral) in relation to frame and mounting method on frame must remain original stock. The measurement from the center line of the front spindle to the back of the B‑pillar post must remain stock ±1".

Typical of the current SCORE Rules there is an inconsistency where it is elsewhere written:

SUSPENSION COMPONENTS

Suspension must retain the original stock concept (A‑Arm, MacPherson Strut, I‑Beam, etc.). Suspension support systems are open (leaf, coil, torsion bars, etc.).
Wheelbase must be stock ±2". Tires must retract inside of finders.

The accepted rule is ±2". Nowhere in the written SCORE Rules does it allow for any modification of the frame (like BITD does), including approach and departure angles.

My rant:

Class 8, 7, 7S and 7SX are full of inconsistencies and most of the current vehicles being raced and built are not in compliance with the letter or spirit of the SCORE rules. It is high time that SCORE addresses these issues and does not issue their new “soon to be released” Rules without a major overhaul. These are important Classes to the “Grass Roots” of the sport and the spirit of these classes is in their production based restrictions. These are not meant to be Trophy Trucks with frames stuffed somewhere in them. The rules call for “Mounting location (vertical, horizontal, lateral) in relation to frame and mounting method on frame must remain original stock.” In my opinion a “Tubbed” truck does not comply with this rule and makes the PIN and Papas and Beer trucks not class legal and I have GOOD reason to believe that SCORE and BITD will also see it that way.

So, if the rules do not allow for ANY modification of the frame, how much “notching” should you be able to get away with? Three inches or more as the AZ Land truck was when it won last years Championship. How about 1” or ½”? Take a look at the last picture, upper A-arm rear pivot point? How much modification is legal? I once saw Bill Savage DQ the points leader in 5-1600 after a 4th place finish at the Baja 500 in ’92 for a fender modification that was 1/16th of an inch too close to just one bolt hole, all the rest were legal.

My point is, the line needs to be drawn somewhere and SCORE needs to do it now!

[scottm]

Thanks everyone for your input. The pic I posted was of a Geiser built truck, but its not the same one as Glamismx's. Here is another look at it.

I am at a point on my own truck where I have to make choice whether or not to cut out a good piece of tubing to try to get a little better approach angle. Someone has already cut the underside of the rail back to the first bend, so its probably illegal already. I'm not even going to try to race in score, but will bitd let it go? Here is my classic, low-miles-one-owner 77 chevy:

[scottm]

Fullsizefun, there are pics on the Geiser site under projects, of the Dave Raimonde truck that is very similar to the one I posted.

[Chris_Wilson]

Class 3 belongs in Ramsey's rant too. It was only a few months ago that Savage
announced new class 3 rules allowing for 116" wheelbase with 2wd. Then he
changed his mind I guess. Anyway, good luck figuring out what's legal. Best bet
is to get it in writting from Savage if it's not spelled out unambigously in the
rulebook.

Regarding the frame question, my 96-97 SCORE rulebook says under CR48 Chassis
and Body: "...Frame must remain stock length but may be notched 8" at front of
frame for ground clearance as long as top of frame rail is not modified." If this
text is no longer in the rulebook then I'll bet it was an oversight and not intentional.
Since most all 8 trucks are cut like this, I doubt it was Savage's intention to
remove this provision.

[Rprice]

Ramsey when you describe a "Tubbed" truck, what do you mean by this?
Also what about TT bodys on class 8's and the length from center of spindle to the B Piller must remain stock plus or minus one inch, how can this be measured with a full glass body?