When is it necessary to repair a frame?

[CoconutMilkFrog]

I recently bought a project 1996 Ranger. The frame is rusty, but only has one spot of rot. Is this spot small enough to warrant just cleaning up and spraying with rust reformer? Or is it necessary to cut and weld? This section of the frame is right next to the gas tank. So I may have to remove the gas tank to get good access to it either way.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

That frame is broke through. There is no using “rust reformer” on that. It’s toast. You either need a repair piece or to fabricate your own. That spring hanger looks to be a crispy critter too and I bet when you take that off you will find crunchy frame around where it mounted.

 

[bobbywalter]

fordota

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

fordota

Wish Ford would have stepped up like Toyota did and replace frames

 

[Terrys87]

That section needs replaced. You get the bed off and started tapping on it with a hammer, you might be surprised at what would be left. I am not familiar with the 2nd gen Rangers, but I seen a thread on here saying some in that generation, the frame is a two piece frame. That might be an easier route to go. Maybe someone can give you more information on that. Good luck finding a frame in New Jersey but if you get south a little ways, they are in great shape here.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

That section needs replaced. You get the bed off and started tapping on it with a hammer, you might be surprised at what would be left. I am not familiar with the 2nd gen Rangers, but I seen a thread on here saying some in that generation, the frame is a two piece frame. That might be an easier route to go. Maybe someone can give you more information on that. Good luck finding a frame in New Jersey but if you get south a little ways, they are in great shape here.

He has a 3rd gen, 93-97 vintage. 4th gen was the start of the two piece frames and 5th gen used the same frame, so 98-11 had two piece frames.

I am curious about how similar a 3rd gen and a 4th gen frame is. For the extended cabs, the cab and bed didn’t change 93-11, just everything else changed. I know that a 2nd gen frame is different in the shape of the rails. I don’t own a 3rd gen yet.

 

[Terrys87]

@lil_Blue_Ford Is the 89-92 considered 2nd gen? I may have my generations off.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

@lil_Blue_Ford Is the 89-92 considered 2nd gen? I may have my generations off.