I'm putting a gooseneck hitch on my 05 Dodge CTD. I'm welding some extra brackets on the frame. do I need to take the battery cables or alternator cables off? I don't want to fry anything electrical.

 

Never weld on the frame.....

 

This is a rebuilder. I've welded on frames for years....just don't want to fry something electrical.

 

i would unplug the battery just to be safe, becuase you never know...

 

Your supposed to disconnect the batts if ya have to do any welding. That being said, as long as you have a good ground on the piece your working on, you shouldn't have a problem.

 

you may have welded on frames for years but, that was probably when they made vehicles. The frames on these trucks are paper thin and any welding will remove it's structural integrity. Dodge actually has a TBS out that says NOT to weld to the frames. It also said there are only a couple places that can even be drilled into. I'd say if you're going to do it... it's at your own risk !

 

Will the radio work after taking the cabels off or do you need to put a code in it again?

 

The newer Ram frames are made of
HSLA (high strength low alloy) steel
and need special welding techniques and choices of filler rods/wire.

Lord Corp has some amazing glues that most body shops now keep in stock for repairing vehicles. These glues actually make a stronger/tougher bond than most stick welding. You might explore using some Lord glue for your brackets along with bolts.

 

got the brackets welded on and everything still works.

 

Just thought I'd update for you guys that are afraid to weld on frames, it's been 8 years and no problems were I welded and I've pulled some heavy loads.