Dodge Dakota Sport 2001 Service Manual page 1316

AN
REAR BUMPER (Continued)
(3) Disengage license plate lamp wire connector
from body wire harness, if equipped.
(4) Separate rear bumper from vehicle.
Fig. 2 Rear Bumper
1 - REAR BUMPER
2 - OUTER BRACKET
3 - INNER BRACKET
4 - FRAME
INSTALLATION
(1) Place bumper on a suitable lifting device and
raise into position.
(2) Engage license plate lamp wire connector from
body wire harness, if equipped.
(3) Install bolts attaching inner bumper brackets
to frame rails. Tighten to 94 N·m (70 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Remove lifting device.
FRAME & BUMPERS
FRAME
DESCRIPTION
Dakota trucks have a ladder-type frame with Box-
section front rails, dropped center section and open-
channel side rails in the rear (Fig. 3) and (Fig. 4).
Cross members attached to the frame side rails
with rivets, welds or bolts form a ladder-type con-
struction. Additionally, the Dakota Quad Cab uses a
mass dampener located between the frame rails,
immediately forward of the rear bumper. This
damper is used to address NVH issues. The cab is
isolated from the frame with rubber load cushions
(Fig. 5) and (Fig. 6) with through-bolts. The cargo
box or bed is attached to the frame with bolts (Fig. 7)
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/CARGO BOX -
REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The frame is designed to absorb and dissipate flex-
ing and twisting due to acceleration, braking, corner-
ing and road surface variances without bending when
subjected to normal driving conditions. The frame is
the mounting platform for the following systems and
components:
• Front and rear suspension systems.
• Engine, transmission, and transfer case.
• Steering gear and linkage.
• Exhaust system and heat shields.
• Fuel cell and fuel line tubing.
• Front end sheet metal and radiator closure
panel.
• Skid plate.
• Passenger cab.
• Cargo box or bed.
• Spare tire winch.
• Front and rear bumper systems.
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