TechnicianVision · Knowledge base
Sectioning And Partial Part Replacement: 2017 Ford F-150
I-CAR · May 11, 2018 · Ford
Summary
This article outlines the sectioning and partial part replacement guidelines for the 2017 Ford F-150, highlighting specific procedures for the front and rear frame rails, the upper rail, and the outer uniside. It emphasizes that while some frame components allow partial replacement at factory seams by grinding off original welds, other parts like the upper rail require full replacement, and the outer uniside offers flexible sectioning options with few restrictions.
What to do on the job
Always consult the official Ford workshop manual to identify specific weld-separation methods (such as grinding instead of drilling plug welds) and to verify which structural components require full replacement versus those that allow partial sectioning.
How to use it
Use this document to justify the labor hours required for grinding off original factory welds on F-150 frame rails rather than standard plug-weld drilling. It can also be used to defend the necessity of a full upper rail replacement when insurers push for sectioning, as Ford explicitly prohibits sectioning on that specific component.
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