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One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search that tells you if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The full 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee OEM Partial Part Replacement Search page is on the RTS website. This gives you a good understanding of general areas for sectioning or partial replacement. I-CAR does not have permission to show exact locations for sectioning or the procedure itself. However, FCA/Stellantis has a repair information website with collision repair information.
The Grand Cherokee has sectioning locations for the front upper, front lower, and rear rails. A butt-joint with backing is identified for the sectioning joints. The outer uniside has several sectioning locations, including the outer quarter panel, dog leg, outer B-pillar, and outer A-pillar. As with the rails, per the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee body repair manual, “Butt-joint with 13 mm. (0.5 in.) backer is to be used in all sectioning areas of the outer body side aperture."
Jeep has specific DO NOT SECTION warnings for the lower B-pillar and rocker panel reinforcements. There is, however, a sectioning location for the upper B-pillar reinforcement that uses a lap joint. The inner uniside has multiple sectioning locations that specify lap joints. There is a sectioning procedure for the trunk floor. The new trunk floor overlaps part of the old floor using squeeze-type resistance spot welding (STRSW) or GMA plug welds.
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- Collision Information Website Access: FCA/Stellantis
- Partial Part Replacement At Factory Seams And Sectioning Hotspot
- Step-By-Step: Accessing FCA/Stellantis Repair Information
- What's A Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM Shotgun?
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Article validated in 2026