Chassis Welding

[Jacto Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jacto]

Would appreciate some opinions on the welding of components to/on the chassis of a Prado

Don't know if any of you have read the latest 4x4 Action but there is a write up on fitting rock sliders to a vehicle and in this fitment, they weld brackets in several places to the chassis of the vehicle to then bolt the sliders to.

Now it was always my understanding that you could not weld to the chassis of a vehicle and I know that on truck chassis', there are notices telling you not to weld or drill the chassis :? :?

[Spurio Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Spurio]

I am not an engineer but my understanding of a heavy vehicle frames is that they are constructed to be a dynamic structure to absorb (to some extent) stress from vertical, torsional and side loads. This just means they are holistically design for structual integrity and if you drill holes or weld any critical areas it lowers this strength.

The prado is completely different (up tp 4.5t) as chassis material strength is not vital for operational use. It is probably more based on driver safety and impact absorption. Therefore you are more than likely just reducing the safety crumple zones than significantly reducing structural integrity. Either way you are still more than likely voiding any warranty and potentially rego.

As for the article, it is a pity many of the 4wd Australian mags have lost editorial integrity to advertising or product placement. If you look into who is sponsoring what, you will probably come to the same conclusion.

[Damien Parker Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Damien Parker]

Your last paragraph is exactly why i have stopped purchasing 4x4action and others.

I understand the need to cover costs but when the magazine becomes a puppet for who ever throws the most cash at them for that month is where my desire to read these publications stops.