[no1udknow]

I shortened my frame the other way, by cutting the long straight section under the cab. The reason most guys do it there is so they dont have to risk messing with the trailing arm geometry. when you cut it behind the cab you either have to move the trailing arm x-member forward, or shorten the trailing arms (horrible idea). the reason a pen weld is not suggested for these frames is that the metal is fairly soft, and the weld is very hard which makes it rigid and is prone to cracking. Most frames will either do a diagonal cut or an s cut like mine. if you have a vertical pen weld, I would definitely box the frame to spread the stress away from the weld . Having done mine now, i wish I would have taken your approach on the bed. lining up and welding the entire bed section was a pain.