Bolt-on or Weld-on

[Stefan]

Welding changes the metalurgical structure of the chassis.

[Gerrit Loubser]

What is that John?

Standard "recovery" points on our patrols.,.....ripped off the chassis during a recovery no doubt......not exactly up to spec. I still cant believe that purpose built 4wd vehicles are not equipped with meaty points as standard.

I believe that point (the one on the LHS front) is actually classed as a tie-down point and not a recovery point. The front recovery point is the hook-like structure on the RHS.

[Ian Abrahamson]

Welding changes the metalurgical structure of the chassis.

Stefan, not entirely correct. If you look at my hardbody virtually everything is welded onto the chassis. It depends how its welded and where on the chassis
is the key here. My offroad bumper is bolted on but the recovery points are welded onto the bumper. The welding is V shaped for extra strength.
I wouldnt consider welding on a R500000 vehicle but on mine, well my rocksliders and rear bumper is welded according to to specs, and i am happy
with that. It is strong, i can lift my vehicle with hi lift on the rockslders. No problems. Remember my engine mountings , leafspring brackets, mountings for torsion bars, all welded onto the chassis.
The adaptor like this one was stolen during a service. I only realised a few months later, but you get the picture

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[Gerrit Loubser]

Welding changes the metalurgical structure of the chassis.

That is true: a weld represents both a metallurgical and typically also a geometrical discontinuity or notch and such a discontinuity might well initiate failure in static or fatigue loading, but welding is also a very well accepted structural fabrication technique. You just have to know what you are doing. If you do, it certainly is possible to design and build a welded structure that is as strong as is required in terms of static load capacity or fatigue load endurance. That is why you will find several welds holding the various component parts of the Patrol's chassis together.

[Russ Kellermann]

What is that John?

Standard "recovery" points on our patrols.,.....ripped off the chassis during a recovery no doubt......not exactly up to spec. I still cant believe that purpose built 4wd vehicles are not equipped with meaty points as standard.

I believe that point (the one on the LHS front) is actually classed as a tie-down point and not a recovery point. The front recovery point is the hook-like structure on the RHS.

Thanks Gerrit, thank goodness i've never used those in a recover of sorts then, sjoe. However, untill i get those nice recovery bolt-on's as shown earlier, is it safe to use a pull strap (not a snatch - i will never use snatch straps) from the hook-type OEM point as you mentioned? Can it take the weight in a difficult muddy situation for instance? please advise....

[Gerrit Loubser]

Russ, Nissan describe the hook in the front as a recovery point. This is what the page in my manual looks like that deals with recovery:

Recovery Points Manual.jpg (50.87 KiB) Viewed 1364 times

I have heard people say that they have used that hook in the front for snatching with no ill effects. I have also heard stories of people bending the hook (Either sideways, when the direction of the recovery force is way off the straight ahead direction or opening the hook), but as you know, it is possible to destroy anything given enough force. Each recovery is unique and one can make a big difference to the peak forces reached by doing a little of preparation work (read digging) before calling in the cavalry.

The bottom line remains that Nissan does not provide us with a strength "rating" for the standard recovery points, though.

By the way, I have heard rather less favourable reports on the strength of the rear loop found on the wagons. The mounting points seem solid enough, but the actual loop apparently pulls out of the mounting plate where they are welded together, when asked to do any more than light-duty work.

[Russ Kellermann]

Thanks for answering that Gerrit, with pictures nogal! I agree with your comment re preparing for a recovery or similar situ. My vehicle has a bar at the back with proper points and i would use my bridle from to bow shackles linked to my 10m pull strap, the front bar however does not have recovery points built in, a terrible oversight by onca IMO, so i'll use the "hook" untill i've had some points put in professionally.

Thanks