Chrysler Vehicle User Manual page 1063

13 - 4 FRAME & BUMPERS
FRAME (Continued)
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.
A straightening repair process should be limited to
frame members that are not severely damaged. The
replacement bolts, nuts and rivets that are used to
join the frame members should conform to the same
specifications as the original bolts, nuts and rivets.
FRAME REPAIRS
DRILLING HOLES
Do not drill holes in the top and bottom of frame
rail, metal fatigue can result causing frame failure.
Holes drilled in the side of the frame rail must be at
least 38 mm (1.5 in.) from the top and bottom
flanges.
Additional drill holes should be located away from
existing holes.
WELDING
Use MIG, TIG or arc welding equipment to repair
welded frame components.
Frame components that have been damaged should
be inspected for cracks before returning the vehicle
to use. If cracks are found in accessible frame com-
ponents perform the following procedures.
(1) Drill a hole at each end of the crack with a 3
mm (O.125 in.) diameter drill bit.
(2) Using a suitable die grinder with 3 inch cut off
wheel, V-groove the crack to allow 100% weld pene-
tration.
(3) Weld the crack.
(4) If necessary when a side rail is repaired, grind
the weld smooth and install a reinforcement channel
(Fig. 4) over the repaired area.
CAUTION: A reinforcement should never be used on
the front section of the frame. The frame section
forward of the suspension mounts contains energy
management holes (Fig. 5). Reinforcing this area
may effect energy management.
NOTE: If a reinforcement is required, it should com-
pletely cover the repaired area. The reinforcement
should also overlap the top and bottom of the
frame by more than 50% of its width. Weld as indi-
cated (Fig. 4).
heat will decrease the
Fig. 4 FRAME REINFORCEMENT
1 - FRAME CENTER LINE
2 - FRAME
3 - FRAME REPAIR REINFORCEMENT
Fig. 5 ENERGY MANAGEMENT HOLES
1 - ENERGY MANAGEMENT HOLES
FRAME FASTENERS
Bolts and nuts and can be used to repair frames or
to install a reinforcement section on the frame.
Conical-type washers are preferred over the split-
ring type lock washers. Normally, grade-5 bolts are
adequate for frame repair. Grade-3 bolts or softer
should not be used. Tightening bolts/nuts with the
correct torque, refer to the Introduction Group at the
front of this manual for tightening information.
TJ