Close
MENU

Follow us on @Ask_ICAR for daily updates.

Home / Collision Repair News / Ford/Lincoln Rocker Panel Reinforcement Sectioning

Ford/Lincoln Rocker Panel Reinforcement Sectioning

Posted on 27 June 2025 | Share:
| Print Print

We are often asked, “Can I section this panel?” Let’s take a look at Ford/Lincoln vehicles and sectioning the rocker panel reinforcement.

The Ford/Lincoln vehicle-specific Rocker Panel Inner Reinforcement procedure details the removal and installation of the entire rocker panel reinforcement. No cut lines are called out. So, where do I section?

Per vehicle-specific Workshop manuals:

  • "Body side sectioning is prohibited within 50 mm of door hinge, door striker and restraints anchoring points."
  • "The rocker panel reinforcement may be sectioned at any point providing restraints, door hinge and door striker restrictions are met. Adjust sectioning point to meet repair requirements."
  • For the F-Series SuperCrew Cab: "The front portion is an extrusion casting and may not be sectioned."

The Workshop manual also refers you to the Joining Techniques document. In this document, Ford/Lincoln details the approved sectioning joint type.

These statements and documents apply to the following models:

  • 2015-present Ford F-150
  • 2018-present Ford Super Duty
  • 2018-present Ford Expedition
  • 2024-present Ford Ranger
  • 2018-present Lincoln Navigator

Always be sure to reference the vehicle-specific Workshop manuals before performing any repairs.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Ford Aluminum Body Structural Repair

Course Sectioning Overview

Course Sectioning Scenarios

  • Repairer Driven News: Rivian Updates Door Handle Procedure Sunday, 4 February 2035

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article featuring an updated Rivian procedure.

  • I-CAR Repairers Realm: Ford Explorer Rear Rail Sectioning - Now Available Friday, 26 September 2025

    I-CAR had a discussion on 2020-2025 Ford Explorer rear rail sectioning.

  • Digital Key Considerations: FCA/Stellantis Wednesday, 24 September 2025

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: FCA/Stellantis Wednesday, 24 September 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...

  • Backup Battery And Low-Voltage Disconnect: Mazda Friday, 19 September 2025

    When an accident happens, how will you call for help? Maybe the telematics system, equipped with a backup battery, could automatically do this, even if the main power is cut off. What are the repair...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Kia Wednesday, 17 September 2025

    While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...

  • I-CAR Just In Time: Mirror Matching Parts Monday, 15 September 2025

    Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs to repair tips...

  • I-CAR Just In Time: Blend Panel Prep And Toner Replacement Wednesday, 10 September 2025

    Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs to repair tips...

  • GM Repair Insights: Summer 2025 Monday, 8 September 2025

    The summer edition of General Motors (GM) Repair Insights is now available.

  • Audi Restraints Wiring: UPDATE Friday, 5 September 2025

    The question is often asked, "Can supplemental restraints system wiring be repaired?" The answer is: it depends on the vehicle maker. Let's take a look at Audi's position on this subject.

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Hyundai Does Hyundai have a sectioning procedure available?
2014 Jeep CherokeeIs there a procedure available for resetting the active headrestt?
Kia Does Kia have a sectioning procedure available?
Chevrolet Does Chevrolet have a warning against sectioning when there is no procedure?
BMW Can I-CAR send me BMW repair procedures?
Hyundai Does Hyundai have part replacement procedures available?
Honda What does Honda say about repairing damaged airbag system wiring harnesses?
Mercedes-Benz Can I-CAR send me Mercedes-Benz repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about straightening front lower rails?
Subaru Do you have to replace a front passenger airbag on a Subaru even if the airbag did not deploy? The repair information seems to indicate that it should.

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions

What does I-CAR say about using a recycled quarter panel assembly that includes the inner, outer, and reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about repair tolerances?
What does I-CAR say about straightening a kink?
What does I-CAR say about replacing suspension parts in pairs?
What does I-CAR say about the decision to use recycled parts?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged door intrusion beams?
Can I-CAR General Sectioning Guidelines be used?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged bumper reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about using recycled airbags?
What does I-CAR say about disconnecting the battery prior to welding on the vehicle, specifically in regards to airbags?