New frame?!?!

[Chuthmak]

So I loaned my 2013 2500 out and got this back.



Dodge dealer body shop and Progressive say frame is bent and has to be replaced.

No new frames available so they want to take a frame off a used truck and replace it.

My instinct says nothing goes back together as easy as it comes apart and I think this is a bad idea.

Anyone ever replace a frame? Results?

 

[chrisbh17]

Cant see the pic, but it sure sounds like it sucks!

You can read up on the Toyota Tacomas that had frame replacements....its a long arduous process (for the guys doing the work) but it didnt seem like there were issues afterward. However, those were Toyotas with a widely known and publicized issue, so Toyota had motivation to really fix the issue....RAM may or may not have the same motivation for quality.

 

[Black W900]

My friend had the frame replaced in his 2014 Chevy Silverado, It took about a week and the truck has performed flawlessly since then ( As flawlessly as a Chevy can anyway).

 

[JPT]

I wouldn't accept a used frame, but that is me. Did they say it was just back ordered, or it will a new frame never be available?

If they put a new frame on, I would be good with it, and I would have the body shop do some better coating (because I live in a salt state) before the work.

 

[Black W900]

I wouldn't accept a used frame, but that is me. Did they say it was just back ordered, or it will a new frame never be available?

If they put a new frame on, I would be good with it, and I would have the body shop do some better coating (because I live in a salt state) before the work.

My friend got a used frame because it would have been too long to wait to get a new one.
He did send it out and had it re-powder coated before it was put in.
The truck was less than a year old and the frame was cockeyed from the factory.
GM did it all under warranty, I guess replacing the frame was cheaper than just swapping him into another new truck.

 

[Chuthmak]

New frames supposedly aren’t being made any longer. Thus the used frame.

 

[grizzstang]

So...who crashed your truck?

We want names. lol.

 

[Chuthmak]

His new nickname is Crash

 

[indept]

His new nickname is Crash

Can we asume Crash is now taking advantage of public transportation / Uber?

 

[stimpy433]

I'd go with the used frame as long and it gets sand blasted and powder coated before going back under your truck.

better yet, get it sprayed with Line X!!!!

 

[grizzstang]

I would have no problem with a used frame either as long as it was straight and not rusted.

As long as you have a competent tech that doesn't cut corners I can't see there being any problems afterward.

I would show up to check on progress several times with coffee and doughnuts to make sure the dealer knows you are concerned that it is done right.

 

[TXCOMT]

I would have no problem with a used frame either as long as it was straight and not rusted.

As long as you have a competent tech that doesn't cut corners I can't see there being any problems afterward.

I would show up to check on progress several times with coffee and doughnuts to make sure the dealer knows you are concerned that it is done right.

Good idy, right there...I honestly never really think about thinks like that, but I bet it'd go a long way toward fostering a little goodwill. Of course, I'd prefer a new truck!

TXCOMT

 

[PoMansRam]

I guess it's not rocket science, but still a bit concerning given everything under the sun has to be swapped over to the new frame. I wouldn't sweat the used frame thing, especially if it's been nicely coated before hand.

A neighbor of mine is a tech at a busy Toyota dealership. I love to chat with him on car stuff. They've got frame swaps down to a science with the Toyota trucks given they've done so many of them due to that rust thing/recall. They've got fixtures and jigs made specifically for the process. My concern with the Ram is it's going to be a learn as you go process. Not that that's a bad thing, just lots more potential for error.

 

[hotrod45]

I would have no problem with a used frame either as long as it was straight and not rusted.

As long as you have a competent tech that doesn't cut corners I can't see there being any problems afterward.

I would show up to check on progress several times with coffee and doughnuts to make sure the dealer knows you are concerned that it is done right.

Is corruption around Calgary that bad?

 

[Pull Ya]

This might be one of those things that sounds worst than it really is, but has been mentioned, I'd be hanging around ALOT just to make sure.
Jay

 

[mohemipar]

You are just confirming to us all never lend your truck or car to anyone lol. Care to elaborate on what the hell the guy hit hard enough to bend the frame?

 

[McBroom]

It should’ve been totaled out. Looks like more damage than it’s worth to fix it.
It’ll never be the same again even if it’s fixed there will constant problems with it.
I speak from personal experience SO take it from a fool and get it totaled out then buy yourself a brand new truck.


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road package

 

[grizzstang]

Is corruption around Calgary that bad?

Dealer techs work by the job not by the hour so they tend to work as fast as they can so they make more money. It has been my experience that speed does not breed good work in most cases so a little checking up and getting to know your dealer and tech is not a bad thing. If you think the same thing doesn't happen in New England I have some news for you...

 

[MADDOG]

In Oregon, we can't replace frames due to an accident. The vehicle is totaled and scrapped.

I would not have been opposed to a used frame as long as it was square, level and in good condition. I'd also have the body shop powder coat the frame prior to installation.

Good luck!

 

[ripping r]

You are just confirming to us all never lend your truck or car to anyone lol. Care to elaborate on what the hell the guy hit hard enough to bend the frame?

I would like to know to. it does not look that bad in the pic to have bent frame. Are our frames that weak?