Dodge Dakota Sport 2001 Service Manual page 1317

13 - 4 FRAME & BUMPERS
FRAME (Continued)
1 - CENTER BEARING CROSSMEMBER
2 - FUEL TANK CROSSMEMBER
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FRAME SERVICE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE EYE PROTECTION WHEN GRIND-
ING OR WELDING METAL, SERIOUS EYE INJURY
CAN RESULT. BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FRAME
REPAIR INVOLVING GRINDING OR WELDING, VER-
IFY THAT VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM IS NOT LEAKING
OR IN CONTACT WITH REPAIR AREA, PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT. DO NOT ALLOW OPEN
FLAME TO CONTACT PLASTIC BODY PANELS.
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
WELDED FRAME COMPONENTS ARE REPLACED,
100% PENETRATION WELD MUST BE ACHIEVED
DURING INSTALLATION. IF NOT, DANGEROUS
OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT. STAND
CLEAR OF CABLES OR CHAINS ON PULLING
EQUIPMENT DURING
OPERATIONS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE
THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED ON SAFETY STANDS,
PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
Fig. 3 4X2 Frame
CAN RESULT. WHEN
FRAME STRAIGHTENING
3 - TRAILER HITCH
4 - FRAME
CAUTION: Do not reuse damaged fasteners, quality
of repair would be suspect. Do not drill holes in top
or bottom frame rail flanges, frame rail failure can
result. Do Not use softer than Grade 5 bolts to
replace production fasteners, loosening or failure
can result. When using heat to straighten frame
components do not exceed 566°C (1050°F), metal
fatigue can result. Welding the joints around riveted
cross members and frame side rails can weaken
frame.
FRAME STRAIGHTENING
When necessary, a conventional frame that is bent
or twisted can be straightened by application of heat.
The temperature must not exceed 566°C (1050°F).
The metal will have a dull red glow at the desired
temperature. Excessive
strength of the metal and result in a weakened
frame.
Welding the joints around riveted cross members
and frame side rails is not recommended.
heat will decrease
AN
the