Dorman 13857 Body to Frame Mounting Bolt Kit Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, use, and maintenance of the Dorman 13857 Body to Frame Mounting Bolt Kit. These durable body mount bolts are engineered as a direct replacement for original equipment on specified vehicles, addressing issues such as broken, rusting, or missing original bolts. The kit is designed to securely anchor the vehicle body or cab to the frame via the body mounts, ensuring reliable performance and structural integrity.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present before beginning installation.

• 6 x Dorman 13857 Body to Frame Mounting Bolts

3. Product Overview

The Dorman 13857 Body to Frame Mounting Bolt Kit offers a reliable solution for securing your vehicle's body to its frame. Each bolt is constructed from alloy steel with a Geomet exterior finish, designed for durability and resistance to corrosion. The bolts feature a 1/2-13 NC thread size and a flat hex head style, matching original equipment specifications for a precise fit.

Figure 1: Dorman 13857 Body to Frame Mounting Bolt Kit. This image displays the six alloy steel bolts, each featuring a flat hex head and a section of yellow-coated threads for enhanced corrosion resistance and secure fitment.

4. Installation Instructions

Safety First: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses and gloves. Ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands or a lift before working underneath. Consult your vehicle's specific service manual for detailed procedures and torque specifications.

4.1 Pre-Installation Steps

1. Vehicle Preparation: Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Disconnect the battery's negative terminal.
2. Access Body Mounts: Depending on your vehicle model, you may need to remove wheels, fender liners, or other components to gain access to the body mount locations.
3. Remove Old Bolts: Carefully remove the existing body to frame mounting bolts. Note the position and condition of any body mount cushions or washers.
4. Inspect Mounts: Inspect the body mount cushions and frame mounting points for wear, damage, or corrosion. Replace any damaged components as necessary.

4.2 Bolt Installation

1. Position Components: Ensure body mount cushions are correctly seated between the vehicle body and frame.
2. Insert New Bolts: Insert the Dorman 13857 bolts through the body, cushions, and into the frame mounting points.
3. Hand Tighten: Hand-tighten all bolts to ensure proper thread engagement and alignment.
4. Final Torque: Using a torque wrench, tighten each bolt to the manufacturer's specified torque value for your specific vehicle model. Refer to your vehicle's service manual for accurate torque specifications. Overtightening or undertightening can lead to damage or unsafe conditions.
5. Reassemble: Reinstall any components removed during the access phase. Reconnect the battery.

Figure 2: Detailed view of the Dorman 13857 bolts, highlighting the precision threading and protective coating designed for secure and durable attachment.

5. Proper Use and Function

The Dorman 13857 bolts are designed to provide a secure and stable connection between the vehicle's body and frame. Once properly installed and torqued to specifications, these bolts ensure the body mounts are securely attached, contributing to the vehicle's structural integrity, ride quality, and overall safety. These bolts are not intended for applications other than body to frame mounting.

6. Maintenance

Regular inspection of the body to frame mounting bolts is recommended as part of routine vehicle maintenance. Check for the following:

• Corrosion: Inspect bolts for signs of rust or corrosion, especially in areas exposed to road salt or moisture.
• Looseness: Periodically check that the bolts remain securely tightened to the specified torque. Loose bolts can lead to excessive body movement and wear on body mounts.
• Damage: Look for any physical damage to the bolt heads or threads.
• Body Mount Condition: While inspecting the bolts, also check the condition of the body mount cushions for cracks, compression, or deterioration.

If any issues are identified, it is recommended to address them promptly to maintain vehicle safety and performance. Replacement bolts should always meet or exceed OEM specifications.

7. Troubleshooting

• Bolts do not fit or are too short:
  Ensure the Dorman 13857 kit is compatible with your specific vehicle's make, model, and year. While designed as a direct replacement, some vehicle configurations (e.g., extended cab, crew cab, or vehicles with aftermarket modifications like body lifts) may require bolts of different lengths than the standard OEM. Always compare the length of the new bolts to the original equipment bolts before installation. If the bolts are too short for your specific application, do not force them; acquire the correct length bolts.
• Body mounts feel loose after installation:
  Verify that all bolts have been tightened to the vehicle manufacturer's specified torque settings. Re-check the condition of the body mount cushions for any damage or improper seating that might prevent a secure connection.
• Unusual noises from body/frame area:
  This could indicate loose bolts, worn body mount cushions, or improper installation. Re-inspect all mounting points and ensure proper torque.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Dorman products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information, product support, or technical assistance, please refer to the official Dorman Products website or contact Dorman customer service directly. Always provide the model number (13857) when seeking support.

For additional resources and product information, visit the Dorman Store on Amazon.