Welding to the frame

[j.o.y.ride]

A lot of disconnect on this one. Some say that welding to the frame will put the integrity of the frame in question. Others regularly weld things like long arm kits and sliders to the frame.

What's the consensus here?

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[kevman65]

If done correctly it can add strength to the existing frame.

If done incorrectly, it can booger up a whole lot more than the frame.

 

[j.o.y.ride]

If done correctly it can add strength to the existing frame.

If done incorrectly, it can booger up a whole lot more than the frame.

What makes good vs not?

 

[ACAD_Cowboy]

What are you planning to weld to the frame?

 

[kevman65]

That's why I get paid what I do, cuz I know.

Welding with the flanges of the frame rail instead of across them.
Now there are fitments for various parts that you weld across the frame rail after cutting out material. Those fitments are designed to add strength once fully welded out.
But if you're just adding a fitment to the rail, then weld in the long direction of the frame, not across it.

Heat is a major factor, too much heat and you're taking the strength out of the steel. Not enough heat and your weld is weak and you've made the base material weaker.

Biggest thing, disconnect the negative from the battery, separate the two negative cables, wrap a non-conductive wrap around both ends. Put ground lead for welder DIRECTLY ON piece to be attached to frame. There are so many electronics in a vehicle that can be fried by welding current.

 

[Free2roam]

Reviving this thread. So I'm getting close to working on my bumper. Most parts are in. Curious as to any and all disconnects for welding purposes. To ensure that nothing happens to the electronics. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Rusty PW]

Reviving this thread. So I'm getting close to working on my bumper. Most parts are in. Curious as to any and all disconnects for welding purposes. To ensure that nothing happens to the electronics. Any help would be appreciated.

Disconnect both batteries. Step on brake pedal to kill any voltage left in the system. Keep the ground clamp close as possible to the area being welded. Less chance of creating an arc across any bearings creating a pit in either the bearing and or race.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Disconnect both batteries. Step on brake pedal to kill any voltage left in the system. Keep the ground clamp close as possible to the area being welded. Less chance of creating an arc across any bearings creating a pit in either the bearing and or race.

I’ll be welding some support brackets from the frame to my rock sliders for more integrity. Would you mig weld or stick weld? I have both, but more fluent in arc welding and don’t use any gas when mig welding, just using a Lincoln weldpak that’s 110 and my stick is a cheapie but it’s 220.

 

[Free2roam]

I’ll be welding some support brackets from the frame to my rock sliders for more integrity. Would you mig weld or stick weld? I have both, but more fluent in arc welding and don’t use any gas when mig welding, just using a Lincoln weldpak that’s 110 and my stick is a cheapie but it’s 220.

I would clean all paint off and if your stick welder has both DC - and + I'd personally use DC - 7018. Just my opinion. I was a welder for 30 years. I'm not a 6010 or 6011 lover.

 

[Camaroboi13]

I would clean all paint off and if your stick welder has both DC - and + I'd personally use DC - 7018. Just my opinion. I was a welder for 30 years. I'm not a 6010 or 6011 lover.

Everything will be prepped correctly and painted to prevent rust afterwards. My stick does have both options, and I have both 7018 and 6011. 7018 is also my go to option for ease of use.

 

[kevman65]

Use the weld procedure you're most comfortable with.

With that said, MIG is the procedure most shops use on frame work.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I weld to frames all the time.

I only Mig weld, but there's no reason you can't stick weld if you want to. Most farmers do.

I never disconnect a thing, do the hokie pokey, or say a prayer either.

 

[kevman65]

If there are welding instructions with your project, follow the welding instructions to the letter.

Don't add weld where it doesn't show it.

Don't leave out a weld where it shows a weld.

 

[Camaroboi13]

If there are welding instructions with your project, follow the welding instructions to the letter.

Don't add weld where it doesn't show it.

Don't leave out a weld where it shows a weld.

The sliders I’m welding to are bolt on, but they don’t have enough support. So I’m adding supports to them. Basically using some 3/8” L brackets that are designed to hold up your kitchen countertops at home. Welding one side to the frame and the other side to the bottom of the sliders. I considered nutserts in the frame but a hard hit would rip those right out and I would be welding anyways.

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