Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 715

DN
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRAME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FRAME SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT AXLE SKID PLATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRAME
DESCRIPTION
The DN uses a three section frame design. The
ends of the center section are swaged to fit into the
front and rear sections. The front, center, and rear
sections are welded together. The frame is serviced
as a complete unit only.
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:
• Engine, transmission, and transfer case.
• Exhaust system and heat shields.
• Front and rear bumper systems.
• Front and rear suspension systems.
• Front end sheet metal and radiator closure
panel.
• Fuel cell and fuel line tubing.
• Parking brake.
• Steering gear and linkage.
• Skid plate.
• Spare tire winch.
• Trailer hitch.
• Vehicle body.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FRAME SERVICE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE EYE PROTECTION WHEN GRIND-
ING OR WELDING METAL, SERIOUS EYE INJURY
FRAME
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
FUEL TANK SKID PLATE—4WD VEHICLES . . . . . . 7
SPARE TIRE WINCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
TRAILER HITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
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.
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.
strength of the metal and result in a weakened
frame.
A straightening repair process should be limited to
frame members that are not severely damaged. The
FRAME AND BUMPERS
EXPLOSION CAN
DURING FRAME
Excessive heat will
13 - 5
page
RESULT. WHEN
STRAIGHTENING
decrease the