Welding to the frame?

[The1andOnlyKyle]

Is it ok to weld to these frames?

Or are the heat treated or something?

[jimmy]

this will likely get lots of replies with conflicting answers.
I have welded gooseneck hitches to the frames of several of my trucks and to trucks belonging to others.
Most of these trucks have gone hundred of thousands of miles with most being used to tow heavy loads the majority of the time.
No cracks, no breakage, no frame failures on any of them.
The welded areas do not prevent the frame from flexing. The hitch should be welded to the top of the frame or to the sides but not both as this will prevent flexing that occurs when frame HAS to twist and will result in cracks adjacent to the welds.

Bolting a manufactured hitch to the frame is safe from cracks but you'd better be ready to periodically check the bolts as they do loosen if you tow heavy.
Hide-away of flip down balls do clunk and shift after they been in use for a while on these type hitches.

[SmokeyWren]

The Ford truck body builder's manual - say it's okay to weld on the frame provided you first remove the PCM and disconnect the ABS module and the batteries.

[The1andOnlyKyle]

Cool. Thanks guys. It's for a traction bar mount.

[vanmantraveler]

The only other thing that Ford does warn you about is not drilling or welding within 3 inches of a spring perch or a riveted cross member. Why weld the traction bar on? I would bolt it myself that way if you must move or remove it is much easier. I have been welding on the ford frames for 7 years.... Never had a problem with cracking or flexing... so weld if you must, but bolting is good too if you might ever need to repair anything. Just a thought.

[The1andOnlyKyle]

It's just the mount. Alot faster for me to throw a couple beads then drill a bunch of holes.