GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars

Frame service can be minimized by lessening the concentration of stress in small areas of the frame.

Use vehicles only for the purposes for which they were designed.

    • Do not overload the vehicle.
    • Load the vehicle evenly. Avoid localized loads.
    • Do not operate the vehicle on extremely rough terrain at excessive speeds.
    • Determine the forces placed on a frame from the operation of equipment when picking a frame for a new vehicle or reinforcing a frame.

Follow the recommended practices when repairing a frame. Follow the recommended practices when mounting a body or equipment on a frame.

    • Avoid sudden changes in the section modulus.
    • Do not drill holes in the frame rail flanges.
    • Space holes in the web section of a rail at least 13 mm (1/2 in) apart.
    • Use existing holes whenever possible.
    • Do not cut holes with a torch.
    • Do not overheat the frame rails.
    • Avoid welding on the flanges.
    • Do not allow four or more holes to exist on the same vertical line of the web.