F 150 2WD Pickup V8-5.4L SOHC VIN 5 (2004)
Subframe: Description and Operation
FRAME AND BODY MOUNTING
The frame (5005) consists of two steel channel rails, a front crossmember, transmission support crossmember and a rear crossmember (trailer hitch). The
side rails and welded crossmembers are not replaced separately. A front frame rail repair kit (5D058 and 5D059) is available if the front rail is to be
repaired.
Magnesium Alloy Radiator Support
The radiator support is a magnesium die casting with steel bridging brackets bolted to the casting. It replaces the traditional welded-on steel design.
The radiator support assembly is welded into the inner fenders and shotgun, via the bridging brackets, just as the traditional weld-on steel radiator
supports do. Aluminum spacers between the magnesium radiator support and steel components are required to prevent galvanic corrosion. Minor
straightening can be done to the casting as long as no cracking occurs during straightening. Cracks can also be welded together, just as steel is welded
together. TIG welding is the preferred method to ensure a proper weld is produced.
Care should be taken to avoid overheating and creating a fire when using oxyacetylene equipment or plasma arc cutting equipment around this or any
other magnesium part, for example to remove severely damaged parts. A magnesium casting is extremely unlikely to catch fire, due to its ability to
dissipate heat quickly and high temperature necessary to affect the casting. However, if the entire mass of the casting reaches the melting point of
magnesium of approximately 800°F, there is the potential for a fire. Normally, localized heat applied to magnesium casting will simply burn a hole
through the casting with no fire risk. In the unlikely event that the entire mass of a magnesium casting does reach 800°F and results in a fire, a class D
fire extinguisher should be used. Class A, B or C fire extinguishers can spread the burning material without extinguishing it. Water will cause the fire
to burn faster.
Body Support - Front End Sheet Metal Body Mount
