welding on truck?

[preacherman]

I have been working on some welding projects. (sliders, maybe a swing away, etc) So here are my questions.

1. do I need to do disconnect anything special when welding on my truck? (I want to make sure I don't fry any electronics like the ecu and stuff like that)

2. Any advice on welding the sliders straight to the frame verses making them removeable? Are there any pro's and con's?

 

[KodiaK Commando]

Welding and frames

I have have allways taken loose the batteries (2) in my vehicles to weld on the trail. This is because I use a ready welder that requires 24VDC to operate. I have forgotten to disconnect the battery several times when in the driveway welding with my MIG welder. Havn't had any issues with either computer or accessories fortunately! I would think that anything that could create a transient voltage spike could do damage even though current cpu designs are fairly well protected. Better to be safe than sorry in my book.

I would strongly caution you about welding anything directly to your frame though. Frame rails are formed and some are heat treated. If you weld a frame incorrectly or weld parts to it like rock rails, you run the potential of greatly reducing the frame strength. Believe it or not, drilling a couple of well placed holes for mounting hardly has an effect on frame strength (provided they aren't over the 3/8-1/2" diameter range). The subsequent bolted assembly can actually strengthen the frame assembly depending on the design. Think of it as a composite assembly, therefore stronger. Another nice thing about spending the time to make your rock rails removeable is that if they are damaged, you can easily remove and repair or replace. Or if you decide to change the design, much easier than putting more heat into your frame to change.

Sorry to ramble, my 2 cents anyway.

 

[MoGas]

I always have disconnected the battery(ies) and on newer vehicles, I have taken to removing the fuses for the computers. I would suggest against welding on the frame too.

My sliders use U bolts to hold them on except the front passenger side where it uses factory holes in the frame.

I'll find/take pics and post them up.

 

[goodtimes]

There is some debate on the frame issue. Personally, I like things to be removable....so I tend to bolt them on. I have been known to weld plates (with threaded holes) to frames, then bolt the sliders to those plates. This is typically what I do for boxed frames, rather than drilling through-holes and sleeving them. To each their own I guess.

I have never had a problem with the electronics when welding, regardless of disconnecting the battery or not....and I have never disconnected the ECU/PCM/anything else. YMMV, but for the amount of time it takes to disconnect the battery....it is cheap insurance. Just be sure that you have a solid ground for the welding rig.

 

[MoGas]

US Driver's side (Left)

US Passenger side (right)

 

[MoGas]

I have never had a problem with the electronics when welding, regardless of disconnecting the battery or not....and I have never disconnected the ECU/PCM/anything else. YMMV, but for the amount of time it takes to disconnect the battery....it is cheap insurance. Just be sure that you have a solid ground for the welding rig.

If you think about it, as long as the welding ground is good, and I would suggest , close to the welding area, you probably would be fine. Electricity, after all takes the path of least resistance. I will still at least pull the battery leads off. I'm old school though, I still can't bring myself to set a battery on concrete without a piece of rubber or wood under it and you haven't had to do that for decades. Must be my OC disorder

 

[MaddBaggins]

Pull the ground off the battery if your concerned. I've done that and forgot to do it as well. Never had an issue. My buddies shop uses a special isolator he got off a Matco tool truck. It connects to both sides of the battery and protects against any potential problems. IIRC it was nearly $100, but he runs an auto shop and takes precautions against messing up other peoples vehicles.

 

[preacherman]

some good ideas. It seems that taking the bat cable off would be a good idea and easy to do.

I really like the way those sliders mount. I think mounting them like that would also make it easier to sell if I ever decided to sell the truck.

thanks for the suggestions

 

[Grim Reaper]

I always disconnect the battery and put both connections to the body. That way the ECM's are grounded on both legs and it should nix any chance of an issue.

 

[AndrewP]

I take the battery cables off as well. Cheap insurance. Have you seen the giant capacitor thing that Snap on makes? You hook it to the battery and it absorbs any voltage transients while welding. Supposedly it works, but I'll continue to remove the battery cables. Also important to put the ground as close to the welding as possible.

MoGas-Nice job on the bolt on sliders and cat protection. That's extremely good for home brew.

 

[MoGas]

MoGas-Nice job on the bolt on sliders and cat protection. That's extremely good for home brew.

Those are Hanna Sliders, I never meant to insinuate that I designed and built them. I was just showing how they mount.

 

[AndrewP]

Those are Hanna Sliders, I never meant to insinuate that I designed and built them. I was just showing how they mount.

10-4. I guess that explains the pro look! Nice anyway.

 

[cowboy4x4]

I do fabrication work and I remove both terminals. One time I forgot on my sons Jeep XJ and when we started it up the computor was throwing codes for a few days ...so definatley unhook JMO.

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I disconnect both battery cables as well. As far as welding onto the frame, It doesn't bother me at all. It just depends on what the application is.

 

[86cj]

A local welding guy here says the ground has to be attached as close as possible to the welding or it can go bad. If you follow the rule you will be O.K.


I still unhook the battery, but I have forgot with no issues. Possibly because I followed the rule..........