Frame: Service Precautions
WARNINGS
WARNING: Chrysler LLC engineering's position on the use of heat during collision repair is as follows:
- Any body panel or frame component damaged which is to be repaired and reused, must be repaired using the "cold straightening" method. No heat may be used during the straightening process.
- During rough straightening prior to panel replacement, damaged panels or frame components may be heated to assist in body/frame realignment. The application of heat must be constrained to the parts which will be replaced and not allowed to affect any other components.
This "no heat" recommendation is due to the extensive use of high strength and advanced high strength steels in Chrysler LLC products. High-strength materials can be substantially and negatively affected from heat input which will not be obviously known to the repairer or consumer.
Ignoring these recommendations may lead to serious compromises in the ability to protect occupants in a future collision event, reduce the engineered qualities and attributes, or decrease the durability and reliability of the vehicle.
This statement supersedes any previously released information by the Chrysler LLC.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
Use eye protection when grinding or welding metal. Failure to do this could result in serious personal injury or death.
Before proceeding with frame repair involving grinding or welding, verify that the vehicle fuel system is not leaking or in contact with the repair area. Failure to do this could result in serious personal injury or death.
Do not allow an open flame or heat and metal spatter from arc welding to contact plastic body panels. Fire, explosion can result causing serious personal injury or death.
When welded frame components are replaced, ensure that a complete penetration weld is achieved during installation. If not, dangerous operating conditions can result.
Stand clear of cables or chains on pulling equipment during frame straightening operations. Failure to do this can result in serious personal injury or death.
Do not venture under a hoisted vehicle that is not supported on safety stands. Walking under an unsupported vehicle can result in serious personal injury or death.
1500 series Dodge Ram Trucks (2002 and later) are not designed for snow plow equipment. The front collision repair tips must not be installed on any truck equipped with a snow plow, or even intended to be equipped with a snow plow.
Do not reuse damaged fasteners. The quality of repair would be suspect. Failure to use only production fasteners or fasteners of equivalent hardness can result in loosening or failure of the part. Do not drill any holes in the frame that are not specifically outlined in this, or in other Chrysler procedures as frame rail failure can result causing serious personal injury or death.