Minimizing Frame Service Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sierra, 2003 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2003 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Frame service can be minimized by lessening the concentration of stress in small areas of the frame.
- Use vehicles only for the purposes for which they were designed.
- Do not overload the vehicle.
- Load the vehicle evenly. Avoid localized loads.
- Do not operate the vehicle on extremely rough terrain at excessive speeds.
- Determine the forces placed on a frame from the operation of equipment when picking a frame for a new vehicle or reinforcing a frame.
- Follow the recommended practices when repairing a frame. Follow the recommended practices when mounting a body or equipment on a frame.
- Avoid sudden changes in the section modulus.
- Do not drill holes in the frame rail flanges.
- Space holes in the web section of a rail at least 13 mm (1/2 inch) apart.
- Use existing holes whenever possible.
- Do not cut holes with a torch.
- Do not overheat the frame rails.
- Avoid welding on the flanges.
- Do not allow 4 or more holes to exist on the same vertical line of the web.