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2nd Gen Ram Tech1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
FRAME REPAIRS
DRILLING HOLES
Do not drill holes in frame side rail top and bottom
flanges, 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 damages should
be inspected for cracks before returning the vehicle
to use. If cracks are found in accessible frame components
perform the following procedures.
(1) Drill a hole at each end of the crack with a 3
mm (0.125 in.) diameter drill bit.
(2) Using a suitable die grinder with 3 inch cut off
wheel, V-groove the crack to allow 100% weld penetration.
(3) Weld the crack.
(4) If necessary when a side rail is repaired, grind
the weld smooth and install a reinforcement channel
(Fig. 3) over the repaired area.
If a reinforcement channel is required, the
top and bottom flanges should be 0.250 inches
narrower than the side rail flanges. Weld only
in the areas indicated (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3 Frame Reinforcement
FRAME FASTENERS
Bolts, nuts and rivets can be used to repair frames
Last edited by xjarhead69; Mar 12, 2017 at 03:41 PM.
I wirebriahed all the rust off the edges and welded the cracks at the top and bottom of the plate and welded the two edges of the plate and it is also bolted in. So far it's held up through driving through town and on the back roads and even over some rr tracks. Do you think this will hold up? Should I take the plate off and v groove the whole crack and weld it from start to finish?
Take the plate back on, V-Groove the crack on both sides and weld the crack. Grind it down flush, then weld the plate (thicker than what you have) on, and weld the whole perimeter of the plate to the frame. Then paint over the whole repair.
IF you like the veh concider frame replacement,Scrapyards have from $75-1200 new and it a lot safer.Push on my avatar,go to my gallery and check out my frame replacement.Easy job with the right tools.Just a thought............
I'll be brutally honest here: that looks like shi*. I wouldn't trust those welds on my wood trailer, much less a vehicle which could endanger your life and others. Grind those 'welds' off, v grove the entire crack on both sides if possible.
If you're not confident in your welding then bring it to a fab shop or to someone who is and have them weld the v-grooves, grind them flat and weld on a plate. I would use 10gauge steel minimum.
I'll be brutally honest here: that looks like shi*. I wouldn't trust those welds on my wood trailer, much less a vehicle which could endanger your life and others. Grind those 'welds' off, v grove the entire crack on both sides if possible.
If you're not confident in your welding then bring it to a fab shop or to someone who is and have them weld the v-grooves, grind them flat and weld on a plate. I would use 10gauge steel minimum.
