I want to get a set of black powder coated wheel to wheel nerf/running boards from www.southwestfabricators.com. Apperently they weld them to the frame even on the '03's. They and others that I have talked to that have them say that it's no problem but I am just a little scared of doing this being that it's a hydro-formed frame. If worse comes to worse I can always fab some brackets to weld on their mounts and bolt onto the frame but thought I would throw this question out to you guys. [undecided]
TIA, Kris

 

Take a look at this TSB. http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/13-001-03.htm It has all the info on both welding and drilling holes.

 

Thank you for the link jlbrown. As I understand it welding the frame is no different than just the preperation and safety as you would do for welding on anything. The concern seems to be with drilling holes and that you claim all responsibility for work done. If I missunderstood this please correct me. <br>Thanks, Kris

 

I have a set of full length running boards on mine and just make sure they dont mount them to the body too...make for a lot of vibaration transmited from the frame to the body...they manufactured some angle brackets and attached mine to the frame so they dont touch the body...much better...let me know if you want to see a picture.

 

BamBam, <br>I see that you have Brown's boards, did they want to weld them to the frame or do they make them standard with brackets to mount to frame? Yes please, I would like to see a pic if possible, your link didn't work.<br>vaquero55@hotmail.com<br>Thanks, Kris

 

I've been building rockcrawlers for years. Every single set I've built are welded directly to the frame. These applications have had 2 ton vehicles drop off of 3 foot rocks, landing soley on the slider. I've yet to see even a hint of a crack and none have deviated at the weld. As far as frame welding goes... Anything but extended verticle welds... If they're going to weld a round tube to the side of the frame rail, you've got nothing to worry about. That's how I did it on my '98...

 

I'm not worried about the welds holding, I'll weld them myself, I'm worried about the warranty on this hydro formed frame. As per the above TSB I'm not going to worry about it, I'm going to get them when I get the $. ;D