Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual page 1228

13 - 4 FRAME AND BUMPERS
F R A M E
page
G E N E R A L INFORMATION
FRAME COATINGS INFORMATION 4
GENERAL INFORMATION 4
S E R V I C E P R O C E D U R E S
FRAME SERVICE 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
CAB CHASSIS ADAPTER BRACKET 6
G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N
FRAME COATINGS INFORMATION
CAUTION: Depending on the vehicle build location,
there are two different coatings applied to BR
frames:
VEHICLE
BUILD
LOCATION
11th
POSITION
VIN
CHARACTER
FRAME
COATING
St. Louis North J
E-Coat
Dodge City
S
Wax Coat
Saltillo Mexico
G
Wax Coat
Lago Alberto
Mexico
M
Wax Coat
Replacement fasteners and torque values for
frame attached components may vary depending on
frame coatings. Ensure the replacement fastener is
designed for the specific frame coating. Refer to the
Torque Specifications Chart at the end of each
group to determine the correct torque value.
GENERAL INFORMATION
BR trucks have a ladder-type frame (Fig. 1) with
Box-section front rails, dropped center section and
open-channel side rails in the rear.
Cross members attached to the frame side rails
with rivets, welds or bolts form a ladder-type con­
struction (Fig. 1). The cab is isolated from the frame
with rubber load cushions (Fig. 2) with through-bolts.
The cargo box or bed is attached to the frame with
bolts. Refer to Group 23, Body for cargo box service
procedures.
The frame is designed to absorb and dissipate flex­
ing and twisting due to acceleration, braking, corner-
page
SPARE TIRE WINCH 6
TRAILER HITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
TRANSFER C A S E SKID PLATE .
6
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS 10
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS . 7
Fig. 2 Cab Mounts
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.