Forum Discussion
Me_Again
Mar 06, 2020Explorer III
^^^ Nice job!
I would add that I installed mine after having I-beam cracks in the web of the I-beam in four places. Page one of the Lippert document addresses that repair.
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My welding shop disagreed with Lippert and skip welded on plates. I was my suggestion to do the plug weld in the area of the I-beam cracks.
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The cracks occurred at each end of two ladder racks between the two I-beams. The lower rail of the ladder racks were above the lower flange of the I-beam to allow the belly pans in the axle area to be on top of the flange and not in the way of the spring hangers. I cut flaps in the metal belly pan to move wiring etc away from the I-beam welding of the cracks, and sealed then up after the frame repair.
I would add that I installed mine after having I-beam cracks in the web of the I-beam in four places. Page one of the Lippert document addresses that repair.


My welding shop disagreed with Lippert and skip welded on plates. I was my suggestion to do the plug weld in the area of the I-beam cracks.

The cracks occurred at each end of two ladder racks between the two I-beams. The lower rail of the ladder racks were above the lower flange of the I-beam to allow the belly pans in the axle area to be on top of the flange and not in the way of the spring hangers. I cut flaps in the metal belly pan to move wiring etc away from the I-beam welding of the cracks, and sealed then up after the frame repair.
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