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One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR is “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 RAM 1500.
The full 2017 RAM 1500 OEM 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 paid subscription website with collision repair information.
The RAM 1500 has a partial part replacement at factory seams for the front lower rails. This procedure allows replacement of the front portion of the rail. A single sectioning location is available for the upper rail. To attach, a 2" backer is created for the section joint. The rear rails do not have replacement procedures available.
The outer uniside can be sectioned in multiple locations. FCA/Stellantis recommends a butt-joint with a backer for the seam. The inner uniside has multiple areas that may be sectioned. The sectioning joint used is a combination of a lap joint and a butt joint. The RAM body repair manual states, “Service assemblies for body components may be disassembled if utilization of the subcomponents is more appropriate to the repair or to reduce vehicle disruption.”
For additional FCA/Stellantis information, check out the following pages:
Alfa Romeo OEM Information
Chrysler OEM Information
Dodge OEM Information
Fiat OEM Information
Jeep OEM Information
RAM OEM Information
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?