Frame Repair and Reinforcement
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
For information on Ford Color Coded Illustrations refer to OEM Color Coding
Special Tool(s) / General Equipment
| 6.5 mm Drill Bit |
|---|
| Spherical Cutter |
| Grinder |
| Plasma Cutter |
| Air Body Saw |
| 15 mm Drill Bit |
| MIG/MAG Welding Equipment |
| Locking Pliers |
Repair
NOTE:
Frame stress crack repairs can only be performed on chassis cab style open channel frames. Stress crack repairs on frames used on pick up trucks should not be attempted.
NOTE:
The following procedure is intended as a general guideline to repair frame stress cracks. Due to frame high-strength materials used, welding should be kept to a minimum.
- Drill a 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) hole at the base of the crack to reduce possibility of the crack spreading. Use the General Equipment: 6.5 mm Drill Bit
- Bevel grind the crack on both sides
of the frame to allow full weld penetration. Use the General Equipment: Grinder
- Completely MIG weld the crack on both sides
of the frame. Use the General Equipment: MIG/MAG Welding Equipment
-
NOTE: Use caution to avoid excess thinning of the metal.
Grind the weld bead on both sides of the repair. Use the General Equipment: Grinder
- Create a reinforcement of comparable steel extending at least 50 mm beyond the repair each side
. Use the General Equipment: Air Body Saw Use the General Equipment: Spherical Cutter Use the General Equipment: Plasma Cutter
- Install the reinforcement on the inboard side of the frame, clamp and drill fastener holes. Refer to: Drilling Precautions .
Use the General Equipment: Locking Pliers Use the General Equipment: 15 mm Drill Bit
- Install 13 mm (1/2 inch) SAE flange head grade 8 bolts and nuts.
Torque: 115 lb.ft (156 Nm)
- Refinish the entire repair using a Ford approved paint system.
- Restore corrosion protection. Refer to: Corrosion Prevention .