Frame Rail

The frame rail is important because without it the car wouldn't be able to function as well as other components. The user's vehicle has many frames that support and mount other parts like top frames and window frames, but the chassis is the most important.

Frame rails designs

The frame rails utilize carbon steel material to make the vehicle chassis as well as the frames. There are three main designs which are the c-shape, hat, and the boxed. The C-shape is the most common design and the C-channel rail has been utilized on most types of vehicles. It is a piece of steel that rolls both sides over to form a C-shaped beam that runs the extent of the vehicle.

The hat frame mimics a "U" and it may be inverted with the open area facing down, but they are not utilized due to being too weak and susceptible to rust. After a while, it started to become popular again when manufacturers started welding it to the bottom of unibody cars. Boxed frames were spot-welded in various locations down the line.

Common issues with a used frame rail

A used frame rail can lead to a poorly made frame, rusting, and wheel misalignment.