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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. Here you will find information on if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2017 RAM 1500.
The full OEM Part Replacement Search page for the 2017 RAM 1500 can be viewed on I-CAR’s website. This will give you a good understanding on 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 both a free and paid subscription website with collision repair information.
The RAM has a single sectioning location for the front lower rails. This procedure allows for replacement of the front portion of the of the rail. It is reattached with an open-butt joint. A single location for sectioning is available for the upper rail. To attach, a two-inch 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. The FCA/Stellantis recommended repair includes using a butt-joint with a backer. The sectioning joint can be made using either welding or adhesives. The uniside reinforcements have 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
- Step-By-Step: Accessing FCA/Stellantis Repair Information
- What's A Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM Shotgun?