Welding on a Jeep TJ

Disconnect the battery leads and put the ground clamp close to the weld area. That's what I've always been told and have done with no problems.
 
Not to start the great debate, but there are some that say the computer is "safer" when it is still hooked up so you dont have to worry about the electric system backfeeding and messing things (or some like that).

If the system is ground and everything is in good order, i have never had a problem welding with everything hooked up... maybe i am lucky.
 
foreman1063 said:
Disconnect the battery leads and put the ground clamp close you the weld area. That's what I've always been told and have done with no problems.
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X2 I do it all the time. In fact every day.
 
braxton357 said:
Agreed with the rest. High freq tig somewhere near the computer might be a different story though.
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then unplug the computer from the harness & put in on the kitchen table. :lol:
 
I used to always unhook the battery when welding on my jeep or anyone elses for that matter. However, last time I was working on mine, I was welding up the rear bumper/tube fenders, ect. and once I was all done, I realized that I had forgotten to unhook it. My heart sank for a few minutes but when I went to fire it up, all was good. Luck, maybe...maybe not.
 
I disconnect the battery on almost everything. I have heard of the computer issue back feeding through a ground even with the battery disconnected, I had to TIG on a 2010 Range and was scared to death....never had a issue and if that was going to fry a computer it would be that one.
Disconnect the battery, its a safe practice. Its irritating to destroy expensive parts by not taking 30 seconds to disconnect something. John is right, always keep your ground as close as you can to the area that you're welding.
 
I just don't understand how disco'ing the negative cable would do anything to help or prevent a short circuit/arc through the computer. I do agree with disconnecting the neg cable when doing most engine work though.
 
Always make sure you have a solid ground as close to the welding as possible and on the same piece of metal. Electricity travels shortest route to ground. Ex: Don't start welding on the frame with your ground clamp on a body panel.

If you are that worried about it, disconnect every electrical device that you are worried about.

If you are still worried, buy one of these http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/dentfix-surge-protector-df-601-p-14355.aspx

If you are still worried...pay someone else to do it that is insured.

If you are still worried...don't do it.

Get the point? Just ground it close and weld, you'll be fine.
 
i actually just got done instaling custom rear control arms on a buddys 92F250 (converted to coil springs) we disconected the neg just to be safe.
as long as you keep your ground real close to where your welding you'll be fine.
besides thats the best way to get a good solid weld is to keep your ground close.

id take JeffB's advice and take the computer out and put it on the kitchen table if your really worried, lol. takes like 2 seconds
 
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