bumper DODGE RAM 2003 Service Owner's Guide

CAUTION: Do not reuse damaged fasteners, quality
of repair would be suspect. Failure to use only pro-
duction fasteners or fasteners of equivalent hard-
ness can result in loosening or failure. Do not drill
any holes in the frame that are not specifically out-
lined in this or other, DaimlerChrysler procedure as
frame rail failure can result. When using heat to
straighten frame components do not exceed 566ÉC
(1050ÉF), metal fatigue can result.
NOTE: Procedures for 4X2 and 4X4 are common
except as noted in this procedure.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the bolts and position aside the wire
harness and grounds, if required.
(4) Remove the front bumper. (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER
- REMOVAL)
(5) Loosen and lower the stabilizer bar mount and
bar. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/STABI-
LIZER BAR - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the front cab mount bolt to the Front
End Sheet Metal (FESM) bracket. (Fig. 6)(7) Make a vertical mark on the inside and outside
face of the frame rail 112 mm (4.5 in.) from the for-
ward edge of the PLP hole in the sides of the rail.
(Fig. 8)
(8) Using a straightedge, connect the two lines on
the top and bottom of the rail.
(9) Using the service tip as a guide, re-check your
cut lines to ensure the service tip will fit when the
cut is made.
CAUTION: Do not use any flame or plasma cutting
equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. This
is due to the inaccurate nature of the cut-line and
the fact that the high temperatures achieved during
flame or plasma cutting will change the metal char-
acteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair
location.
(10) Using a reciprocating saw or equivalent, care-
fully cut and remove the damaged frame rail tip.
(Fig. 7)
Fig. 6 REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
1 - FRONT END SHEET METAL (FESM) BRACKET
2 - CAB INSULATOR
3 - RING-FILLET WELD/HOLE
4 - PRINCIPLE LOCATING POINT (PLP)
5 - WELD ROOT GAP 4 mm-6mm(0.16 in. - 0.24 in.)
6 - FRONT CAB MOUNT BOLT
7 - REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
Fig. 7 FRAME CUT LOCATION
1 - REPAIR ROOT OPENING
2 - SERVICE SLEEVE
3 - PRINCIPLE LOCATING POINT (PLP)
4 - SUSPENSION BRACKETS
5 - FRAME
6 - FRAME CUTOFF LOCATION - 112 mm (4.5 in.)
7 - FRAME SERVICE TIP
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 5
FRAME (Continued)

(11) Assemble the service sleeve. Refer to SER-
VICE SLEEVE ASSEMBLY at the end of this proce-
dure.
NOTE: Any burned surface coatings will need to be
removed from the sleeve prior to installation and
application of corrosion preventative coatings.
(12) Smooth and square the cut edges of the origi-
nal frame. (Fig. 7)
(13) Dress the cut edge of the existing frame in
preparation for the new rail tip.
(a) Drill four 13 mm (0.5 in.) diameter holes in
the new tip and four more in the existing frame to
accommodate ring-fillet welds. Center these holes
19 mm (0.75 in.) from the cut face of the rail and
38 mm (1.5 in.) from the top and bottom of the rail.
(Fig. 8)
(b) Bevel the edges of the new tip, existing
frame, and ring-fillet holes 25É - 30É. Scribing a
line 2 mm from the cut edge and then grinding
back to the mark will simplify the bevel creation
process and accuracy. (Fig. 9)
(c) Remove any burrs at the holes and beveled
edges.
(14) Dry fit the new rail to ensure alignment and
fit and make any adjustments as necessary.
(15) Remove all internal and external OEM e-coat
within 51 mm (2.0 in.) of the weld joint on the
replacement tip and the existing frame rail.
NOTE: Any burned surface coatings will need to be
removed prior to application of corrosion preventa-
tive coatings.
CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
Fig. 8 REPAIR SLEEVE INSTALLATION (TYPICAL)
1 - REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
2 - FRAME RAIL
3 - SERVICE SLEEVE
4 - CENTER LINE
5 - LOCATOR LINES (2)
6 - HORIZONTAL WELD HOLE LOCATION - 38 mm (1.5 in.)(BOTH
FRAME SECTIONS)
7 - LOCATOR LINE DIMENSION-2mm(0.08 in.)
8 - VERTICAL WELD HOLE LOCATION - 19 mm (0.75 in.)(BOTH
FRAME SECTIONS)
9 - RING FILLET WELD HOLES
Fig. 9 WELD DIMENSIONS
1 - FRAME REPLACEMENT TIP
2 - FRAME RAIL
3 - FRAME DRESS ANGLE 25É-30É
4 - ROOT PASS
5 - COVER PASS
6 - SERVICE SLEEVE
7 - WELD ROOT GAP 4 mm-6mm(0.16 in. - 0.24 in.)
8 - SERVICE SLEEVE
13 - 6 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

(16) On 4X4 models use the service sleeve as a
template to drill a hole in the frame tip to accommo-
date the sway bar mounting bolt. (Fig. 12)
(17) Slide the service sleeve into the replacement
frame tip and align to the 2 mm (0.08 in.) off center
line made previously during the sleeve assembly and
tack the ring fillet welds to hold them in place. (Fig.
10) (Fig. 11) (Fig. 12) (Fig. 13)
(18) On 4X4 models, install the sway bar tapping
plate and secure with tack welds. (Fig. 12) (Fig. 13)
Fig. 10 4X2 SLEEVE INSTALLATION
1 - REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
2 - FRAME RAIL
3 - SERVICE SLEEVE
4 - PLP
5 - SWAY BAR MOUNTING BRACKET
6 - TAPPING PLATE
7 - ROOT WELD GAPFig. 11 4X2 SLEEVE INSTALLATION
1 - REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
2 - ROOT WELD GAP
3 - SERVICE SLEEVE
4 - SWAY BAR MOUNTING BRACKET
5 - TAPPING PLATE
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 7
FRAME (Continued)

(19) Apply ring-fillet welds into the ring-fillet weld
holes on the replacement frame tip, using the Weld
Process Specifications table. (Fig. 14)
(20) Install the upper FESM insulator onto the
replacement tip and position the service sleeve/re-
placement tip into the existing frame rail.
(21) Loosely install the lower FESM insulator and
cab mounting bolt.
Fig. 12 4X4 TAPPING PLATE/SLEEVE
INSTALLATION
1 - REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
2 - FRAME RAIL
3 - SERVICE SLEEVE
4 - PLP
5 - SWAY BAR MOUNTING BRACKET
6 - TAPPING PLATE
7 - ROOT WELD GAP
8 - SLEEVE TAB
Fig. 13 4X4 TAPPING PLATE/SLEEVE INSTALLATION
1 - REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
2 - ROOT WELD GAP
3 - SERVICE SLEEVE
4 - SWAY BAR MOUNTING BRACKET
5 - TAPPING PLATE
6 - SLEEVE TAB
Fig. 14 RING FILLET WELD
1 - WELD START LOCATION
2 - WELD END LOCATION
3 - RING-FILLET WELD
13 - 8 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

(22) Using the appropriate measuring equipment,
verify the front end sheet metal bracket's location in
all three (X,Y, and Z) planes of space, and adjust if
required. (Fig. 15)CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
(23) When correctly fitted and a weld root gap of 4
mm minimum to 6 mm maximum (0.16 in - 0.24 in)
is established, tack the ring fillet welds to hold the
tip in position, then complete the ring fillet welds.
NOTE: Ring-fillet welds may be filled in with weld
material if an improved cosmetic appearance is
desired.
(24) Confirm alignment of the replacement frame
rail tip. (Fig. 15)
(25) Final welding should be performed in a skip
(stitch) type method to minimize the heat buildup
and frame distortion, utilizing the Weld Process
Specifications at the end of this section. The pre-
ferred method is GMAW (MIG).
(a) Apply root pass welds to the root joint one
quadrant at a time, switching to the opposite side
of the frame for each quadrant. (Fig. 9)
(b) Clean the welds of any flux and other impu-
rities before proceeding with the cover pass welds.
(c) Apply the cover pass welds in the same man-
ner as described above.
(26) Confirm alignment of the replacement frame
rail tip. (Fig. 15)
NOTE: Any burned surface coatings will need to be
removed prior to application of corrosion preventa-
tive coatings.
(27) Dress the welded area and apply corrosion
resistant coatings inside and out.
(a) Apply etch-primer to the inside of the frame
rail repair area.
(b) Inside the rail, inject a creeping wax based
rust inhibitor compound through the existing holes
in the frame ensuring 100% coverage including the
space between the original frame rail and the rein-
forcing sleeve.
Fig. 15 FRAME TIP DIMENSIONS
NOTE:
All measurements are in mm.
1 - PLP POINT
2 - FRAME
3 - PLP POINT
4 - REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 9
FRAME (Continued)

(c) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
(28) Tighten the front cab mounting bolt to the
FESM bracket to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
(29) Install the stabilizer bar. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER BAR - INSTALLA-
TION)
(30) Install the front bumper. (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER
- INSTALLATION)(31) Install the wire harness and ground strap if
previously removed and install the bolt.
(a) If necessary, re-drill and tap the ground
strap mounting hole
(32) Install the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
CAUTION:
All welds should conform to DaimlerChrysler vehicle engineering process standard ªPS 9472º.
WELD PROCESS SPECIFICATIONS
WELDING PROCESS FLUX CORED ARC GAS METAL ARC (MIG)* SHIELDED METAL ARC
(STICK)
Material Thickness3.7 mm to 4.2 mm 3.7 mm to 4.2 mm 3.7 mm to 4.2 mm
Electrode TypeLincoln Electrical Co.
Product #: NR-211 MP
(Do Not Substitute)AWS ER70S-3
(Do Not Substitute)** AWS E 7018
Electrodes Size Inches0.045 Tubular 0.035 Solid 3/329
Electrode Stick Out3/89- 1/291/29- 5/89N/A
PolarityElectrode9-9
Work Piece9+9Electrode9+9
Work Piece9-9Electrode9+9
Work Piece9-9
Shielding GasSelf Shielded 75% Ar
25% CO2Self Shielded
Gas Flow RateN/A 25 - 35 CFM N/A
Wire Feed Speed
(inches per minute)110 - 130 Vertical Down
70 - 90 Flat & Overhead245 - 250 Vertical Down
210 - 225 Flat &
OverheadN/A
Approximate Amperage
Vertical110 - 130 175 85 (3/329Diameter)
Flat & Overhead70 - 90 155 90 (3/329Diameter)
Voltage15-18 19-20 N/A
Direction of Welding
VerticalVertical Down Hill (only) Vertical Down Hill (only) Vertical - Up Hill (only)
Flat & OverheadFlat - Push or Drag Flat - Push or Drag Flat - Drag
*First choice - Gas Metal Arc Welding Process:
Butt joints - apply two layers (passes) of weld metal.
First pass should only fill approximately
1¤2the thick-
ness. Vertical position welds - maintain electrode
wire at leading edge of weld puddle while traveling
down hill to produce maximum penetration into the
sleeve. These techniques work for FCAW as well.**E7018new electrodes may be exposed to the
atmosphere for up to ten hours with no harmful
effect. Reconditioning schedules should come from
the manufacturer.
13 - 10 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

SERVICE SLEEVE ASSEMBLY
NOTE: Two sleeve halves are included with each
kit. Modifications as follow, are necessary to create
the correct sleeve assembly for each application.
(1) On 4X2 models, the9lower9sleeve is made by
cutting off the tab and cutting out a notch in the bot-
tom sleeve portion. Round the corners of the cut out
to keep stress cracks from forming. On 4X4 models
the9lower9sleeve is used as provided. (Fig. 16)
(2) On both 4X2 and 4X4 models cut off the front
tab on the upper sleeve portion. (Fig. 17)(3) The sleeve halves are shipped slightly over-
sized to allow custom fitting to each replacement
frame rail tip. It is necessary to grind the mating
surfaces to achieve the desired snug fit into the
replacement tip (rail tube has increasing height rear-
ward of the cut line). Once the two sleeve halves are
fitted, bevel the edges 25É - 30É.
NOTE: Scribing a line 2 mm from the cut edge and
then grinding back to the mark will simplify the
bevel creation process and accuracy.
(4) Remove any burrs at the beveled edges.
(5) Using the Weld Process Specifications table,
weld the two halves of the repair sleeve together.
(Fig. 18)
(6) Clean the welds of any flux and other impuri-
ties and grind smooth before proceeding with the
installation of the sleeve.
(7) Find the centerline of the sleeve and scribe a
centerline mark. Mark two additional lines 2 mm
(0.08 in.) on either side of the centerline mark to help
ensure the required 4 mm-6mm(0.16 in. - 0.24 in.)
weld root gap. (Fig. 18)
Fig. 16 4X2 LOWER SLEEVE CUT LOCATION
1 - SERVICE SLEEVE LOWER HALF
2 - CUT DIMENSION 27 mm (1.06 in.)
3 - CUT DIMENSION 36.1 mm (1.42 in)
4 - 4X2 CUTOUT
5 - FRONT TAB CUT LINE (4X2 ONLY)
Fig. 17 UPPER SLEEVE CUT LOCATION
1 - SERVICE SLEEVE UPPER HALF
2 - CUT LOCATION
Fig. 18 SERVICE SLEEVE ASSEMBLY
1 - CENTERLINE SCRIBE MARK
2 - WELD SEAM
3 - REAR TAB (4X4 ONLY)
4 - SCRIBE LINE LOCATION 2 mm (0.08 in.)
5 - FRONT TAB (4X4 ONLY)
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 11
FRAME (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - HYDROFORM
FENDER RAIL REPAIR
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE EYE PROTECTION WHEN GRIND-
ING OR WELDING METAL, SERIOUS EYE INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FRAME REPAIR
INVOLVING GRINDING OR WELDING, VERIFY THAT
VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM IS NOT LEAKING OR IN
CONTACT WITH REPAIR AREA, PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT ALLOW OPEN FLAME OR HEAT AND
METAL SPATTER FROM ARC WELDING, TO CON-
TACT PLASTIC BODY PANELS. FIRE OR EXPLO-
SION CAN RESULT.
²WHEN WELDED FRAME COMPONENTS ARE
REPLACED, ENSURE COMPLETE PENETRATION
WELD IS ACHIEVED DURING INSTALLATION. IF
NOT, DANGEROUS OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN
RESULT.
²STAND CLEAR OF CABLES OR CHAINS ON
PULLING EQUIPMENT DURING FRAME STRAIGHT-
ENING OPERATIONS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
²DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHI-
CLE THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not reuse damaged fasteners, quality
of repair would be suspect. Failure to use only pro-
duction fasteners or fasteners of equivalent hard-
ness can result in loosening or failure. Do not drill
holes in top or bottom frame rail flanges, frame rail
failure can result. When using heat to straighten
frame components do not exceed 566ÉC (1050ÉF),
metal fatigue can result.
CAUTION: This repair procedure assumes damage
to the right or left hydroform fender rail (Fig. 19).
Prior to any repairs, the vehicle must be mounted
on the appropriate frame repair equipment (ªframe
rackº), checked with three dimensional measuring
equipment, and necessary pull corrections made. If
damage exists in the hydroform fender rail, or cab
beyond the area covered by this service procedure
after dimensional corrections are made, the hydro-
form must be replaced in its entirety. Refer to 23 -
BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/WELD LOCATIONS -
SPECIFICATIONS, when replacing the entire hydro-
form.(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/FRONT FENDER - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the A/C condenser, if required. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING/A/C CONDENSER - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the A/C lines, if required. Refer to the
Heating and Air Conditioning section of the manual
for recommended procedures.
(6) Remove the radiator assembly. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove the air cleaner and support bracket, if
required. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYS-
TEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove the integrated power module. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTE-
GRATED POWER MODULE - REMOVAL)
(9) Remove the bolts and position aside the wire
harness and grounds, if required.
(10) Remove the upper radiator crossmember.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER - REMOVAL)
(11) Remove the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP UNIT - REMOVAL)
(12) Remove the front cab mount to the Front End
Sheet Metal bracket (FESM) bolt.
(13) Remove the bolts attaching the lower radiator
crossmember to the hydroform fender rail. (Fig. 19)
CAUTION: Do not use any flame or plasma cutting
equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. The
inaccurate and high temperatures achieved during
flame or plasma cutting will change the metal char-
acteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair
location.
(14) Using a reciprocating saw or equivalent, cut
the fender rail and shotgun at a straight and square
section of the hydroform and remove.
(15) Smooth and square the cut edges.
(16) Using the damaged structure as a reference
cut the service part at the same location as the first
cut. Smooth and square the cut edges.
NOTE: The repair structure should butt up to the
remaining structure and provide the same overall
vehicle geometry.
13 - 12 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

(17) Fabricate 51 mm (2.0 in.) long repair inserts
using scrap from the old structure or the replacement
part. It will be necessary to split the inserts on each
of their four sides to fit into the hydroform.
(18) Remove any paint or e-coat from the inserts
and also to the interior and exterior of the hydro-
forms.
(19) Cut plug weld holes as described below.
²On the upper rail, cut one 13 mm (0.5 in.) hole
on each side of the rail, 25 mm (1.0 in.) from the butt
joint of the tubes.
²On the lower rail, cut one 13 mm (0.5 in.) hole
on the top and bottom sides of the rail 25 mm (1.0
in.) from the butt joint of the tube.
²On the lower rail, cut two 13 mm (0.5 in.) holes
on the inner and outer sides of the rail 25 mm (1.0
in.) from the butt joint of the tube.
CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
(20) Install the insert 1º into the replacement part
and tack into place with a weld.
(21) Insert the service part into place and using
the appropriate measuring equipment, verify thefront end sheet metal bracket's location in all three
(X,Y, and Z) planes of space. (Fig. 20)
(22) Complete all 360É plug welds.
NOTE: Before the final welding, use three dimen-
sional measuring equipment to ensure the part is in
the correct location. Verify that tap plate extrusion
at the bottom of the vertical post lines up with the
isolator and hole in the frame perch mount. Also
ensure the lower radiator closure tube is bolted into
the forward shotgun ends.
(23) Complete welding by making a 360É butt weld
around the fender rails.
(24) Metal finish the exposed welds on the hydro-
forms.
(25) Dress the welded area and apply corrosion
resistant coatings inside and out.
(a) Inside the rail, inject a creeping wax based
rust inhibitor compound to the inside of the hydro-
forms ensuring 100% coverage including the mat-
ing face between the fender rail sections and insert
such that corrosion protection is restored in the
internal cavity.
(b) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
Fig. 19 HYDROFORM FENDER RAILS
1 - HYDROFORM FENDER RAIL
2 - FRONT END SHEET METAL BRACKET
3 - UPPER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (4)4 - UPPER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
5 - LOWER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (8)
6 - LOWER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 13
FRAME (Continued)

(26) Install the front cab mount bolt if previously
removed and tighten to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
(27) Install the lower radiator crossmember bolts
and tighten to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(28) Install the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
(29) Install the upper radiator crossmember. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER - INSTALLATION)
(30) Install the wire harness and ground if previ-
ously removed and install the bolts.
(31) Install the integrated power module, if previ-
ously removed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE -
INSTALLATION)
(32) Install the air cleaner bracket and air cleaner,
if previously removed. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT -
INSTALLATION)(33) Install the radiator assembly. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION)
(34) Install the A/C lines, if previously removed.
Refer to the Heating and Air Conditioning section of
the manual for the recommended procedures.
(35) Install the A/C condenser, if previously
removed. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C CONDENSER - INSTAL-
LATION)
(36) Install the fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/FRONT FENDER - INSTALLATION)
(37) Install the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
(38) Reconnect the battery ground.
Fig. 20 ENGINE COMPARTMENT/FRONT STRUCTURE
13 - 14 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)