Frame Members - Rear
Frame Members - Rear
WARNING: Collision damage repair must conform to the instructions contained in this diagnostic/repair information. Replacement components must be new, genuine Ford Motor Company parts. Recycled, salvaged, aftermarket or reconditioned parts (including body parts, wheels or safety restraint components) are not authorized by Ford.
Departure from the instructions provided, including alternate repair methods or the use of substitute components, risks compromising crash safety. Failure to follow these instructions may adversely affect structural integrity and crash safety performance, which could result in serious personal injury to vehicle occupants in a crash.
WARNING: Invisible ultraviolet and infrared rays emitted in welding can injure unprotected eyes and skin. Always use protection such as a welder's helmet with dark-colored filter lenses of the correct density. Electric welding will produce intense radiation, therefore, filter plate lenses of the deepest shade providing adequate visibility are recommended. It is strongly recommended that persons working in the weld area wear flash safety goggles. Also wear protective clothing. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING: Always wear protective equipment including eye protection with side shields, and a dust mask when sanding or grinding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
NOTE: Refer to welding equipment manufacturer's instructions for correct machine set up.
1. NOTE: All body alignment measurements are carried out with the vehicle detrimmed. Measurements are made metal to metal, on center, unless otherwise specified.
Measure the vehicle to determine if the body requires straightening and alignment. The vehicle must be restored to its correct overall dimensions prior to beginning this procedure. For body dimensional information, refer to Body Body.
- Anchor the vehicle to a frame rack following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
2. Remove the rear bumper assembly.
3. Remove the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) canister located on the underbody.
4. Position aside, plug and cover any open vapor lines.
5. Remove the muffler(s) from the affected side.
6. Locate the drain hole at the 4th convolute on the frame rail, measure and mark 90 mm (3.543 in) to 100 mm (3.937 in) rearward from the center of the drain hole and scribe a cut line.
7. Using a die-grinder, carefully cut the frame rail only, at the scribe mark.
8. NOTE: DO NOT drill pilot holes in an attempt to aid in spot weld removal.
Drill out the spot welds attaching the frame rail to the underbody using a spot weld cutter or equivalent tool, and remove the damaged section.
Installation
1. Using the original frame section as a guide, measure and cut the replacement section to the correct length.
2. Locate welded nuts on the original frame rail, position the replacement nut inserts at the same locations on the replacement frame rail and tack weld into position.
3. Prepare all surfaces for Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding.
- Grind smooth all spot weld nuggets on the floor pan.
- Drill or punch plug weld holes in the replacement frame rail.
- Chamfer the mating surfaces of the original frame rail and the replacement section.
- Remove the E-coat from the immediate weld area on the vehicle frame rail and the replacement rail section. Clean the surfaces with metal surface prep or equivalent.
- Apply a commercially available weld-through primer to the immediate weld area only, on all mating surfaces.
4. Create a backer sleeve from a suitable portion of frame rail material approximately 60 mm (2.362 in) long, to be inserted between the weld joint of the replacement frame section and the original frame rail.
- Drill or punch plug weld holes in the backer sleeve and replacement rail section and MIG (Metal Inert Gas) plug weld the sleeve to the replacement rail.
5. Install and clamp the replacement frame rail section to the vehicle. Verify correct alignment and dimensions. For additional information, refer to Body Body.
6. MIG (Metal Inert Gas) plug weld the replacement rail section to the original frame rail and seam weld around the entire joint using ER70S-3 wire 0.9 mm (0.035 in) to 1.1 mm (0.043 in) diameter.
7. Use a dye penetrant to determine if any cracks or voids exist in the weld joint. If cracks or other defects exist, grind out the defect and repair until the weld is defect free.
8. Position and install the new bumper bracket(s).
9. Apply rust inhibitor to the inner surface of the repair area. For additional information, refer to Restoring Corrosion Protection Following Repair .
10. Apply undercoating to the exterior surface of the frame rail and underbody area.
11. Reinstall the muffler components.
12. Reinstall the bumper assembly.