Frame; Frame Service - Dodge 2001 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual

13 - 6 FRAME & BUMPERS
REAR BUMPER (Continued)
1 - INNER BRACKET
2 - BUMPER

FRAME

DESCRIPTION
The BR/BE frame is the structural center of the
vehicle. In addition to supporting the body and pay-
load, the frame provides a station for the engine and
drivetrain. BR/BE trucks have a ladder type frame
with Box-section front rails, dropped center section,
and open-channel side rails in the rear.
Cross members attach to the side rails with rivets,
welds, or bolts. The cab is isolated from the frame
with rubber load cushions with through bolts. The
cargo box or bed is attached to the frame with bolts.
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.
Fig. 8 Rear Bumper
3 - OUTER BRACKET

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
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
OPERATIONS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE
THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED ON SAFETY STANDS,
PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
EXPLOSION CAN
DURING FRAME
BR/BE
RESULT. WHEN
STRAIGHTENING