Frame holes?

[Dieselnerd]

I read somwhere on this forum that you should check the frame on a new vehicle to see that they used rubber plugs and didn't just tape over some holes in the frame. I tried a search but came up empty. My new '05 has holes in the sides of the frame that are not taped over or plugged. I was just wondering what the story is. Any answers will be appreciated.

 

[drno]

the holes are oval shaped-located on the bottom of the frame close to the rocker panels and if i can recall there were 6 on each side. my truck is a 2004. 5 . the rubber plugs are dirt cheap and the dealer can get them in 2-3 days. my dealer didn't charge me. look for blak duct type tape

 

[Dieselnerd]

Drno, thanks for the reply. They must have changed for '05. There are only 2 holes in the bottom of the frame on each side. One oval and one round. I wouldn't want to plug them since they look like drain holes. There are a number of holes on the sides and if water gets in it needs a place to get out or it will rust from the inside. Any other opinions or thoughts members?

 

[Gypsyman]

It's not holes in the frame. It's the holes along the bottom of the cab on the inner rocker panels.



Richard

 

[drno]

i'm pretty sure it is part of the frame that the rocker pannes attach to . get under the truck and look back as if you were trying to see the back of the rocker panels . you can't see them by just bending down and looking under the truck

 

[nickleinonen]

the holes with/without plugs are in the body/cab, back side of the rocker panels... if you put running boards on, you loose half the plugs anyways

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

As above, the holes are body not frame. They are on a vertical surface on each side, at the inside of the rocker panels.

 

[drno]

if joe says they are body , they must be. now the big question---plug them or leave them open

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I checked the holes while changing oil last night and I have the taped over holes. Is this acceptable, as in, is there SUPPOSE to be plugs or are plugs an "accessory". If you get my drift. Meaning, do I call my dealer and "request" a correction to the small oversite or ante up for the plugs?

 

[Bertram65]

Here is a picture to make it easier.

 

[Lorenz]

my dealer replaced the tap and got me plugs, no hassle

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Thanks SL. Old Man also PMed me the parts number. I'll get those bombed next time I'm up north. Thought they might be like the wheel liner - a fancy accessory

 

[ERohloff]

Just picked up my '05 3500 CTD last week (March build). Based on previous threads had it my notes to check the "taped over" rocker panel holes during delivery.

Checked this truck and there are 8 oval (3/4" x 1. 5") holes on the lower insides of each rocker panel. They are taped over. Talked with the bodyshop guys and they said the tape is not just a paper tape but a tough fiberglass tape that stays pretty well. Tried to peel one and it's on there really well!



Checked with the parts guy and the rubber plugs are nearly $4 each!!!!

Sixteen times 4 = $64. Think I'll leave the tape and keep a eye on them. If they come loose will put on some heavy duty wide black electrical tape. I'm a retired 3M Tape engineer so got lots of aggressive tape around!

bob r... .

 

[Dieselnerd]

Now that I knew where to look, it was so obvious. Eight pieces of black tape on each side. This is on the top of the line Laramie H! I think my dealer will probably replace with plugs if I ask but such a cheap way to save a few pennies per truck. At least they could have put the tape on straight. I suppose they figure the average guy will never notice.