Getting ready to start on my rear bumper for a 2007 Dodge CTD. First plans are for a hydraulic winch under the bed. The shop I'm working with is aprehensive about welding or drilling on the frame. Reportedly, Dodge strongly advises against welding or drilling due to weakening that will result because of how he frame is formed originally. Can anyone shed light on this? Is this a real concern, or just Dodge being ultra conservative?
Welding/Drilling on an 03+ Dodge Frame
- Thread starter Wyohab
- Start date
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
My guess is that you will be hard pressed to find a manufacturer that will openly encourage someone to modify any part of a vehicle that they produce - particularly the frame. I've heard that some of the larger trucks (IE: Fuso) have 'builder books' that you can use as a guide for modifications - but I'm not sure if even those include actual frame modification (as opposed to bolt-on mounting points).
I've welded to hydro-formed and heat treated frames in the past, but I tend to avoid it if I can. I like to use existing holes, or clamp around the frame - although that sometimes requires adding sleeves to boxed frames (read: drill & weld).
I've welded to hydro-formed and heat treated frames in the past, but I tend to avoid it if I can. I like to use existing holes, or clamp around the frame - although that sometimes requires adding sleeves to boxed frames (read: drill & weld).
olympiccop2002
Explorer
Try this...
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/13-001-03.htm
and this one explains the formula for welding I guess...
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=258167
"Jason is correct as usual. I actually have the manual which shows how to make proper frame repairs, and a TSB for hitches & service bodys (2003 Dodge). About the only thing that they say not to do is Plasma cut. The first reason for this (as said by DC) is the inaccurate nature of the process(like your cut wont be square!?). The reccomended wire is er-70s2 with Ar/co2 mix , and for cutting to use a jig saw or similar method.
I would make DC repair this first , and if that is not possible then give it a shot yourself. If you can I sure would like to see a digi pic of the break.
Richard"
Bjorn
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/13-001-03.htm
and this one explains the formula for welding I guess...
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=258167
"Jason is correct as usual. I actually have the manual which shows how to make proper frame repairs, and a TSB for hitches & service bodys (2003 Dodge). About the only thing that they say not to do is Plasma cut. The first reason for this (as said by DC) is the inaccurate nature of the process(like your cut wont be square!?). The reccomended wire is er-70s2 with Ar/co2 mix , and for cutting to use a jig saw or similar method.
I would make DC repair this first , and if that is not possible then give it a shot yourself. If you can I sure would like to see a digi pic of the break.
Richard"
Bjorn
olympiccop2002
Explorer
Here is the one for 2007...
http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2007/docs/dr/rcn.pdf
Info should be on the 2nd page.
Bjorn
http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2007/docs/dr/rcn.pdf
Info should be on the 2nd page.
Bjorn
