Education

The Chassis

The chassis (pronounced chass-ee) is the actual framework of the truck – the skeleton that supports the vehicle. The truck assembly actually begins in the Chassis area. As the truck frame moves down the Chassis line, operators install more than 900 components to the underbody or underside of the truck.

That includes parts like the fuel line, the drive train (the transmission) and the suspension – the part that gives the truck spring-like support so the ride is comfortable. The frame also gets the gas tank, exhaust system, axles and the drive shaft.

All of the tools used to secure the many nuts and bolts in the truck are “torque monitored.” Torque refers to twisting; the tool are pre-set to twist the nuts, bolts and screws just the right amount so they are tight, but not too tight.

During much of the installation, the frame is actually upside down, making it easier to install parts to the underbody. The frame is lifted up and flipped over for the rest of the assembly work.

At this point, the pre-assembled engine is then brought in, lowered onto the chassis and connected. Now the chassis, body and cab head to final assembly.

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