Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 716

13 - 6 FRAME AND BUMPERS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
replacement bolts that are used to join the frame
members should conform to the same specifications
as the original bolts.
FRAME REPAIRS
DRILLING HOLES
Do not drill holes in frame side rail top and bottom
flanges, metal fatigue can result causing frame fail-
ure. 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. 1) over the repaired area.
NOTE: If a reinforcement channel is required, the
top and bottom flanges should be 0.250 inches nar-
rower than the side rail flanges. Weld only in the
areas indicated (Fig. 1).
FRAME FASTENERS
Bolts, nuts and rivets 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.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT AXLE SKID PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Position a support under skid plate.
(2) Remove bolts attaching skid plate to front
crossmember (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 Frame Reinforcement
1 – .250 IN FROM EDGE
2 – TOP FLANGE
3 – BOTTOM FLANGE
4 – FRAME RAIL
5 – FRAME REPAIR REINFORCEMENT
(3) Remove bolts attaching skid plate to skid plate
crossmember (Fig. 3).
(4) Separate skid plate from the vehicle.
Fig. 2 Front Axle Skid Plate
1 – U-NUT
2 – FRAME
3 – SKID PLATE
INSTALLATION
(1) Position and support skid plate at front cross-
member.
(2) Install bolts attaching skid plate to transmis-
sion crossmember. Tighten to 23 N·m (17 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Install bolts attaching skid plate to front cross-
member. Tighten to 23 N·m (17 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Remove support from under skid plate.
DN