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Frame welding q

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by snowgod06, Dec 10, 2009.

  1. Dec 10, 2009 at 12:03 AM
    #1
    snowgod06

    snowgod06 [OP] UG legend wannabe

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    crap bolted and welded together....
    so i have heard on other trucks about welding onto the frame may cause serious damage. The heat exchange to the frame could cause weakness in it. Which could cause cracks, rust, warp and such..

    well question is, i want to weld on my allpro sliders i got awhile back, and still havent gotten around to it because im still unaware what may happen to the frame's structual support. I've heard different things from other people. Well im going to leave it up to you all. If you have welded sliders or anything big to your frame can you chime in with the outcome and any issues with the frame. thanks a bunch!!
     
  2. Dec 10, 2009 at 12:17 AM
    #2
    mountainwolfpup

    mountainwolfpup Ford Guy (Formerly known as a Toyota Guy)

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    First month of ownership... This month I'm removing front air dam, and also Rhino lining the bed.
    Don't do it. Welding will possibly deteriorate/weaken your frame. There is a good chance of it.

    Of course if you do some serious off-roading / crawling then you'll want good sliders and plating.. so that'll supersede your concerns about the frame because bolt on sliders just aren't tough enough for those applications.

    If however you are not "hard core" with your off-roading then I would suggest some bolt-on style sliders. Many of them now align with existing frame holes with little or no drilling of the frame for installation. I think Slee has some that are this way?

    Anyway, this article/interview may interest you (it's all about truck frames) enjoy. http://trailer-bodybuilders.com/mag/trucks_tips_truck_frames/
     
  3. Dec 10, 2009 at 12:26 AM
    #3
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    its hard to disagree with mountainwolfpup

    with that said

    my sliders are welded to the frame...and have been for awhile now

    i've experienced no ill effects, however i do not live in a state that uses road salt...or at the beach...so rusting hasnt occured

    i've landed my truck on my sliders with a good amount of force a couple of times with no cracking or breaking...

    i think the key is to properly prep the area...and make sure its welded correctly rather than some hackjob booger welding

    proper bracing and gussetting is important too
     
  4. Dec 10, 2009 at 12:33 AM
    #4
    mountainwolfpup

    mountainwolfpup Ford Guy (Formerly known as a Toyota Guy)

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    First month of ownership... This month I'm removing front air dam, and also Rhino lining the bed.
    Yeah, you are correct TigerFan it's all about the man behind the mask! I'm jealous, wish I could say that I did decent welds.. sounds like you're pretty good at it.

    True, environment makes a difference. If you live in Arizona you're set.. nothing rusts out there. Here where I live we have salted roads sometimes and the ocean.

    Also, you have to be a pro welder. Nice smooth welds without gaps for rust to take hold. Also, probably need to put a few coats of a good primer on it.

    I did weld some brackets onto my ARB bumper when I got it so that I could fit a Warn winch that it wasn't designed for.. it was 90 degrees off on the provided mounts. That looked pretty ugly and I know that winch is gonna come flying outa my bumper here one of these days.
     
  5. Dec 10, 2009 at 12:36 AM
    #5
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    :anonymous: i only helped with my welding...
     
  6. Dec 10, 2009 at 12:42 AM
    #6
    mountainwolfpup

    mountainwolfpup Ford Guy (Formerly known as a Toyota Guy)

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    First month of ownership... This month I'm removing front air dam, and also Rhino lining the bed.
    Whew! Good to know. I feel instantly better about myself now and will take my welding gear back out of the trash can now
     
  7. Dec 10, 2009 at 12:45 AM
    #7
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    :laugh:

    putting my sliders together and on the truck is the only time ive ever actually used a tube bender or welder

    it was fun and one day i will own both of those tools...if nothing else but to make fancy yard art...



    back to the OP...if done PROPERLY you wont hurt anything...but if just any ole joe schmo off the street does it...you run the risk of frame damage + rusting issues

    to prevent rust...make sure you go over every angle and inch of anywhere you have sanded or welded with a good primer...and then a good coat or 3 of paint...
     
  8. Dec 10, 2009 at 4:27 AM
    #8
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    I had sliders welded to the frame by a professional frame/welding shop.

    What we did was....

    Welded the slider ends to angle iron with appropriate gussets, etc.
    The angle iron was about 6" in width that cradled the frame from underneath.
    The angle iron was STITCH welded to the frame. Small 1" (or less) welding spots every 2".

    This method dispersed the affects of the welding. Also, having the angle iron dispersed the weight/abuse to a larger area.

    Overall, these things were GREAT and I never had any issues. My truck (96) is still running strong and the sliders are probably keeping the frame stronger than it was.... or is. I see it from time to time and the frame doesn't look all that great to begin with (probably close to 200K miles on it by now)
     
  9. Dec 10, 2009 at 11:12 AM
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    snowgod06

    snowgod06 [OP] UG legend wannabe

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    crap bolted and welded together....
    Wow thanks for the info guys. I guess im going to weld these bad boys on sat..
     
  10. Dec 10, 2009 at 11:19 AM
    #10
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner Are these black helicopters for me?

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    oil change...
    take your time and let the metal cool in between welds to avoid ill affects.
     
  11. Dec 10, 2009 at 11:29 AM
    #11
    DaWillDaBeast

    DaWillDaBeast Well-Known Member

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    When you guys are welding on the frame or on the truck in general, are you disconnecting the battery, or any other electronics? I have never welded on my truck but I have heard that welding on a truck can sometimes mess with the electronics and stuff, Any one know anything about this?
     
  12. Dec 10, 2009 at 11:32 AM
    #12
    THE TECHNICIAN

    THE TECHNICIAN Well-Known Member

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    Yes, disconnect the battery due to the amperage that's flowing through the metal during welding.

    And if done correctly, how could this possibly harm your frame. Have you guys not noticed that the frame is made up of a bunch of pieces welded together?
     
  13. Dec 10, 2009 at 11:55 AM
    #13
    snowgod06

    snowgod06 [OP] UG legend wannabe

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    crap bolted and welded together....

    it could harm your frame, it happens. Some people weld that prolly shouldnt be allowed near a welder.
     
  14. Dec 10, 2009 at 2:00 PM
    #14
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    absolutely disco the battery!!
     
  15. Dec 10, 2009 at 2:18 PM
    #15
    mwild

    mwild I CANT SPELL SO DONT BITCH

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    DO NOT WELD on the frame i will weakin it. It doesnt matter who does it. Unless they magniflux it after they weld it IT WILL weaken the frame
     
  16. Dec 10, 2009 at 2:19 PM
    #16
    THE TECHNICIAN

    THE TECHNICIAN Well-Known Member

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    Where's the proof of it weakening the frame?
     
  17. Dec 10, 2009 at 2:20 PM
    #17
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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  18. Dec 10, 2009 at 2:22 PM
    #18
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner Are these black helicopters for me?

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    oil change...
    90% of the people with sliders have them welded on...
    I dont think its gonna weakin it, after seeing trucks comming down hard on rocks hitting the sliders and the truck is still fine...
     
  19. Dec 10, 2009 at 2:22 PM
    #19
    mwild

    mwild I CANT SPELL SO DONT BITCH

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    welding weakens any steel. im a stucual welder i do bridges and buildings and we have to magnifux every weld on every peace. im not saying the frame will break in half or anything but if you put alot of weight on the weld it can rip the frame.
     
  20. Dec 10, 2009 at 2:23 PM
    #20
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    yeah im pretty sure the thousands of trucks out there with welded on bumpers, sliders, and roll cages would argue that it does not ALWAYS damage the frame

    :popcorn:
     

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