Welding Problems
- Thread starter h301ff
- Start date
soonenough
Explorer
I would think that as long as you have your grounding cable connected pretty close to the area you're welding on, the current shouldn't be flowing through other areas of the frame/etc, as it will take the path of least resistance to ground. Hopefully someone else with more welding experience will chime in to confirm this or tell me I'm an idiot 
Just to be safe, however, I would probably disconnect the battery, and use welding blankets (if you can) to keep the sparks away from any electrical equipment. Also, make sure you're not welding near any fuel lines.
Just to be safe, however, I would probably disconnect the battery, and use welding blankets (if you can) to keep the sparks away from any electrical equipment. Also, make sure you're not welding near any fuel lines.
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
Welding can produce voltage spikes that are harmful to electronics, even through the ground side. There are surge protectors made just for this sort of work that clamp to both battery terminals.
I've welded on late models and 'gotten away with it', but a friend who owns a 4WD shop will not weld without that protector in place.
I've welded on late models and 'gotten away with it', but a friend who owns a 4WD shop will not weld without that protector in place.
KG6BWS
Explorer
you shouldnt need to worry about it. i welded my bumpers and the frame reinforcement plates on my 04 and never had a problem.
on the battery, ive heard it both ways and ive done it both ways. ive welded on the truck with the battery both hooked and unhooked. still havent had any problems.
on the battery, ive heard it both ways and ive done it both ways. ive welded on the truck with the battery both hooked and unhooked. still havent had any problems.
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
Yup, same experience here. For the amount of effort it takes to disconnect the battery...ehh..cheap insurance.
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
Disconnect the battery.
Of greater concern, particularly with slider installs is making sure you don't have any electrical, fuel or brake lines running on the inside of the frame or in the case of the Tacoma coming out from the cab that can be damaged. I've know more than one instance that a Tacoma wiring harness had to be severly repaired due to damage from welding sliders to the frame. Scope out your surroundings before you start to nuke.
Of greater concern, particularly with slider installs is making sure you don't have any electrical, fuel or brake lines running on the inside of the frame or in the case of the Tacoma coming out from the cab that can be damaged. I've know more than one instance that a Tacoma wiring harness had to be severly repaired due to damage from welding sliders to the frame. Scope out your surroundings before you start to nuke.
if you have your welder set right you should be fine. but to be safe cover the lines the best you can with a welding blanket (leather works fine to) around the area your going to be welding, and between the frame and the lines to insulate them from heat and also in case your welder is set to high and you burn through the frame rail.
good luck with the project and please post pictures when you finish....