Standard Procedure - Frame Damage Repair

STANDARD PROCEDURE

FRAME DAMAGE REPAIR

For required warnings and cautions, Refer to Service Precautions.

To achieve proper vehicle ride height after a suspension component has been loosened, the vehicle must be at design weight and resting on the tires before the suspension can be tightened. Refer to Alignment.

This frame can be quarter sectioned if the frame rails cannot be straightened during collision repair. Only a repair person experienced in structural welding using a TIG or MIG welder should perform frame sectioning procedures. Refer to Welding.

If a frame must be sectioned or straightened, upper and lower control arm, shock absorber, steering gear and rear toe link mounting points must be in the design location. The upper shock mounting hole must be properly positioned over the lower control arm mounting locations to achieve proper ride height. The steering gear mounts must be properly positioned to achieve proper front wheel toe pattern. The rear toe links must be properly positioned to achieve proper rear wheel toe pattern.

For weld point locations. Refer to Body and Frame / Locations / Weld Points.

The frame is constructed with mild and high strength low alloy steel tubing. The frame is held rigid by cross braces and stringers. The datum plane is defined by the bottom of the frame rails under the two front shock towers and at the rear of the frame just aft of the differential at the center of the 1 in. by 2 in. crossbeam. The left front PLP is the master gauge location to hold the frame in position during production welding. The left rear PLP is used to locate side to side position. All frame measurements taken during collision repair should begin at the left front PLP. If the left front frame has been damaged, the PLP can be repositioned by taking measurements from undamaged suspension pivot locations or net form and pierce points. Even though the front frame rail vertical height will vary from side to side, the center of the lower control arm and upper shock mounting holes must be located equally from side to side above the datum line. Refer to Body and Frame / Specifications / Dimensions.