Frame Members-Rear Frame Section: Removal
- Restore the vehicle to manufacturer's dimensions. Refer to: BODY AND FRAME .
- Remove the following items:
- Refer to: Rear Bumper .
- Refer to: Pickup Bed .
- Refer to: Muffler and Tailpipe . Refer to: Muffler and Tailpipe . Refer to: Muffler . Refer to: Tailpipe LH . Refer to: Tailpipe RH .
- Refer to: Fuel Tank Filler Pipe . Refer to: Fuel Tank Filler Pipe . Refer to: Fuel Tank Filler Pipe .
- Refer to: Rear Shock Absorber .
- Refer to: Spring .
- Anchor the vehicle to a frame rack following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
- Disconnect and remove any remaining wiring, lines, and related fittings from the frame section.
- Rear frame section overview.
- Grind through the original welded joints retaining the rearward frame section to the center section. Be careful not to cut into the center side rail since it will be reused.
- Using a chisel gun with a sharp 25.4 mm (1 inch) wide wedge chisel, separate the ground area of the joints.Use the General Equipment: Grinder
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NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.
Remove the complete mid rear frame section.
- Using a wire brush or sandpaper, remove the e-coat paint from the existing frame near the edges to be welded on the inner and outer surfaces within approximately 15 mm (0.5 in.) of the repair joint.