Toronto, Ontario — Ford has expanded its available sectioning procedures to include a rear rail sectioning procedure in the 2020-2025 Explorer and 2020-2025 Aviator Workshop Manual.
Specifically, during an I-CAR Live from this year’s SEMA Panel Discussion featuring Gerry Bonanni, Ford SR engineer, paint and body, announced the addition of the rear-rail sectioning procedure.
As noted by I-CAR, the rear rail on a 2020-2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator is made of boron steel and was previously only allowed to be installed as a complete assembly.
Now, Ford provides three locations where the rear rail can be sectioned based on severity.
Notably, “if damage exceeds available sectioning locations, the complete rear rail needs to be replaced. The sectioning joint requires a 50 mm backer, but the cut location is not welded at the seam. After welding is complete, and the area is properly prepared, seam sealer is applied to the sectioning location.”
The automaker further noted that it is in the process of updating the Workshop Manual and that the sectioning joint should not be seam welded as described in the general procedure.
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