Cracked Firewall

[John Martines]

Just looked at my firewall inside between the door and fender to check on how bad my cracks. There are pieces missing where the cracks split and rejoined. Gap is 1/2 inch wide 4 to 5 inchs long . I don't know how long they have been cracked or how far they go down. If anybody hears the cracking sound you might want to look in to it. I'll keep you posted since it's my next project and I'll try to post pictures of the job.

 

[GeneH]

John, TSB 23-63-94 addresses this problem.

I did this repair also.

The pn for the right side reinforcement plate is 4797019

The left side pn is 4797018

I will attach a before and after photo.



Good luck on the repair.



Gene

92 350 4x4

 

[GeneH]

Here is the before photo.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Does this happen to later model Rams too?

 

[GeneH]

I have not heard of this happening to the second gen trucks.

 

[John Martines]

Thanks Gene I already knew of the problem I didn't think it was this bad it suprised me to see the size of the cracks. Thanks for the pics and part #'s. Did it take you long or any hints on doing this?

 

[GeneH]

John, I repaired both sides over a weekend.

It would be handy to have a copy of the TSB on hand, either TDR or Dave Fritz web site probably has it.

The most difficult part is removing the hood because of its size and weight other wise its just taking enough parts off to get to the area.

If you can't find the TSB let me know and I will e-mail a copy to you.



Gene

92 350 4x4

 

[Matt S]

Warning

That hood is large and tends to work as a sail in a wind gust. Try to pick a calm day and have at least 2 people on hand.

 

[Matt S]

Another question

Gene,

Where did you find the 3M stuff? My dealer (one of those great 5-star dealers NOT!) says they can't get that and the part number is not a part number at all. They are all knowing, and I'm just an inferior being and all... Probably why the guy got me one side and something that looked like the rocker panel for the other side on the first try!

 

[GeneH]

I did not use the 3M product listed. I used a 3M product thats used to seal around the windshield.



Gene

92 350 4x4

 

[Paychk]

Have them check the service bulletin number 23-63-94, it lists all the required parts and they should be able to cross reference it to a Chrysler number. As a last resort contact a body shop supply house that stocks 3M products they should be able to get it.

 

[Hutchew]

Good luck on those brackets.......

I ordered those two brackets over 6 weeks ago from a local dealer. They sent two of the same right side brackets, one painted black and the other plain metal. Took them back and told em I needed a left and a right, not two rights with different paint schemes. Since then, they have ordered and recieved 4 right hand brackets under the left hand part number. Supposedly, there is a mix-up at Dodge Central and they mismarked a whole slew of these things. The local dealer here finally ordered them from another dealer in ShowLow Arizona and are supposed to be here today. Might wanna check it out before you get all screwed up like I did.

 

[Dave Fritz]

I just posted TSB 23-63-94 for those who want to see the bulletin.



Dave

 

[Rockcrusher]

What years does this happen to? I've been looking for a newer model but now I'm not so sure I want to part with my old Grey Goose. No cracks so far.

 

[Rockcrusher]

Oops! After reading the TSB I see it is 89-93 so mines included too.

Is it possible to see the cracks without removing the fenders? maybe with a mirror up under the dash or whatever? I do hear a funny noise every once in awhile. Thought it was the door panel. These Dodges are so quite dont see how I could miss it.

 

[John Martines]

Rockcrusher if you open your door and look in between fender and door piller on corner of cowl you can see where they are. Might need a flashlight!

 

[HonkinDiesel]

Man I thought these baby's were built like tanks. But I see we have our weaknesses too.

You guys got me running out to the truck today and had me poking around with a dental mirror and a flash light. Happy to see that it looks like factory finish there! Whew!!!



Mind you I havn't had any poping or other sounds like you guys mentioned.



I wonder if bombing our trucks creates more stress and metal fatigue on the cowling resulting in this?



Does anyone know why this is happening?



Has anyone tried welding these areas as a fix?

 

[Hutchew]

I'm a gonna weld mine........

when I do the repairs on my 85, mainly because I have the whole front-end, windshield, and interior out of it. The ugliest part of the whole thing is right where it all comes together under the rubber molding for the windshield. Quality control musta been pretty lax back in 85. I would be ashamed to put my name on that glob of molten metal. Oh, well easy enough fix I guess. I would imagine that the 4x4 models were probably more susceptable to this problem. On the other hand, I have been scrounging parts off junkyard trucks for the last 4 or 5 months, and I have yet to see one of any type that didn't have at least some hairline cracks in it. Look real hard at the area right below the oblong hole where the two 'flaps' overlap, that's where I've seen the majority of cracks.

 

[Dieselman359]

One of these days...

I guess that one of these days I'll have to quit putting this off and at least look at it. I would guess that mine is cracked but I don't know for sure, I've never gone to the trouble of taking the front end apart. Every once and awhile, I hear the cursed "CRACK, CRACK metal on metal sound. " I have noticed though that I've only heard this off road. Well being 2x4, I should clarify; I meant in the grass.

One thing is for sure, I ain't takin' nothin' apart until after Diesel Extravaganza 2001, I just need to give him a bath and a good wax job.

 

[Matt S]

Welding

I've welded mine up twice. They just crack in a different spot. I got the parts from Dodge to fix it for good this time!