How would you straighten this?

[56FordGuy]

Cutting and replacing the rail is an option, but the last one. This doesn't have to be perfect, I just want to see if I can make it better.

I tried pulling it out cold tonight. Pulled the bottom of the jack forward with a come along and pulled the top backward at the same time. It moved a little, but doesn't seem to have made any noticeable difference. I think my next step will be to do the same thing, and heat the backside of the rail.

 

[eastexan]

Cutting and replacing the rail is an option, but the last one. This doesn't have to be perfect, I just want to see if I can make it better.

I tried pulling it out cold tonight. Pulled the bottom of the jack forward with a come along and pulled the top backward at the same time. It moved a little, but doesn't seem to have made any noticeable difference. I think my next step will be to do the same thing, and heat the backside of the rail.

You will probably need at least a 2-1/2 to 3 ton lever type chain hoist (come along).
Or else just hook a chain from your tractor drawbar to the bottom of the jack instead.

 

[crazyal]

If you do straighten it I would find a way to brace it.

 

[2manyrocks]

None of my come a longs would bend that back straight. It took a lot to bend that rail, and it will take that much to bend it back.

 

[56FordGuy]

The only way to brace it would be to brace up against the next crossmember. While that isn't a bad idea, I think the key to avoid bending it again would be to be sure the jack is raised all the way up before moving. :laughing::thumbsup:

I'd love to know what they hit to bend it. The foot on the bottom of the jack is bent up, so it's obvious that they hung it on something.

 

[tmajor]

I think, you are going to have a little more force than a "come-along" .. like hook the tractor to it or something with some muscle.

 

[2manyrocks]

Well...suppose you parked it on top of something like a stump you could push off from with a hydraulic jack against the bottom of your trailer jack?

My guess is they just drug it in the dirt long enough to get that bend in it.

 

[massey990]

A large turnbuckle would be much better than any type of ratchet come-a-long...you can move a house with a big enough turnbuckle and enough leverage to turn it...

 

[crazyal]

The only way to brace it would be to brace up against the next crossmember. While that isn't a bad idea, I think the key to avoid bending it again would be to be sure the jack is raised all the way up before moving. :laughing::thumbsup:

I'd love to know what they hit to bend it. The foot on the bottom of the jack is bent up, so it's obvious that they hung it on something.

I was thinking to the tongue. If it's weak from being bent (twice) it could bend again. Most likely it was bent the first time by someone not raising it up I have seen where people have left equipment on their trailer while it's not connected to a truck and for one reason or another the wheel chocks didn't hold it from rolling. It's possible that your jack stopped the trailer from something even worse happening to it.

Or the previous owner could have forgotten to lock down the receiver and while towing something had it pop off and dig in. For me at least I would like to know it's strong. :thumbsup:

 

[Shield Arc]

For a heat shrinking task like this one, I'd start with a number 3 cutting tip. I like concentrated heat to heat shrink things like this. Only time I use a rose bud is for large beams.