2. WELDING FRAME
Welding parts onto the chassis frame requires the utmost caution.
Additional equipment will not only affect the mass of the vehicle but also
the strength of the frame, and the heat of welding will affect frame
strength as well. Whenever possible, bolts and rivets should be used to
fasten additional equipment to the frame. When welding is unavoidable,
the following precautions should be observed.
1) GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
a When performing electric welding, remove the battery ground
terminal. Failure to do so may damage electrical components.
b Before doing any electric welding, first remove the plug of the control
units from the outlet and disconnect the circuit.
c When performing electric welding, ground the side rail nearest the
location being welded. DO NOT ground the engine, transmission,
propeller shaft, front/rear axles or suspension system. Grounding
these parts may damage the rubber bushings and other parts
between these areas and the frame.
d Cover hoses, piping, wiring and other chassis parts near the area
being welded to protect them from weld splatter.
e As much as possible, avoid welding too much in one area or adjoining
areas.
f Make the length of the weld as short as possible.
g Be careful to avoid such defects as poor welding quality, undercutting,
slag inclusion, blowholes and cracks.
2) WELDING PARTS ON SIDE RAILS
a Do not weld to the upper and lower flanges (including the flange
edges).
b Welding to web sections should be done no closer than 0.39 in (10
mm) to the upper and lower flanges.
c Make sure the welding bead does not come near a hole. Weld no
closer than 0.59 in (15 mm) from the edge of a hole.
d Do not weld to gusset plates or other parts when such parts are
attached to side member joints.
C10
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