2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Welding on Truck

[kdw75]

Does anyone know if welding on the frame of the truck weakens it in any way? Or for that matter if there is any concern of damaging any electronic components?



Thanks,

Keith

 

[monkfarm]

welding on frame a big no-no

Yeah, don't weld on the frame unless it's the very tail end of it for a heavy duty trailer hitch. That may even be a no-no. From what I've heard, the dodge frame is a little lighter than most anyhow (don't know if that's true or not. ) The heat from welding weakens it around where you weld. If a welded piece of steel is going to break (assuming your welds are good) it will break next to the weld. Heat makes it more brittle.

If you weld on any part of your truck, disconnect the batteries, and that should disconnect you from the electronics.

I did weld on mine a couple of times forgetting to disconnect (the batteries) and it didn't seem to hurt it any. But it is not a good idea!! I always disconnect except for the times that short term memory loss gets to me.

 

[SRadke]

Welding on frames (pre 03) is acceptable but unadvised. They are a high strength alloy steel and should be welded as such. minimal heat imput, no fast cooling etc. If it can be bolted, do so.



If you have to weld disconnect the batteries, ground as close to what you're welding on as possible and be sure the electricity does not have to travel through any bearings.



-Scott

 

[illflem]

"95 service manual says no welding except on the sides of the frame and no single beads i. e. to fix a crack a plate should be welded over the crack rather than a bead up the crack.

Best to drill and bolt.

 

[rfcom]

When the muffler shop welded my muffler on, they didn't disconnect the batteries, but they did hook up a surge suppressor.



Jim

 

[kdw75]

Well, the welding I plan to do is on the exhaust anyhow. I wondered about the frame though because on a Peterbilt I saw it had a sticker saying not to weld to the frame and figured since the dodges had no such warning maybe they didn't use any special steel.



Keith