Dealing with rust underneath

[snomaker321]

I was under my truck today and noticed a decent amount of rust, especially in the rear(around leaf springs etc) but most of the frame is pretty much rust free. Everything's still solid for now and I'd like to keep it that way.

Should I worry about it now or just accept the fact that I live in New England and my trucks gonna rust some?

Im tossing around the idea of installing a body lift over the summer and at the same time cleaning up and painting the frame(por-15 or other?).

What do you guys think?

 

[bigtruck94]

Nah not really unless it's really bad. If you take real good care of it like washing it every weekend, than there is a minimal chance you'll get rust. I mean every truck is gonna have rust. just depends how well you take care of it. I personally wax my pickup twice a year to protect clear coat and for it to prevent rust. Mine has been a farm truck all it's life and it gets rode pretty hard out in the fields. Like I said, if you wash it every weekend, There is a little chance it could rust.

 

[bigmark303]

Pay attention to the rear of the frame where the bumper mounts to the rail. Almost every neglected Ranger ive seen is rotting in that part, otherwise the frame rails are pretty damn solid and will last a long time.

Keep an eye on the cab mounts and the leaf shackles/rear shock mounts. Those parts are independent and can be replaced but tend to rot pretty fast once they start to rust. If you can get the bed off and undercoat the bottom bed rails that sit on your frame cross rails. Those rot out fast.

Those seem to be the big problem areas but overall its an easy truck to keep an eye on and with underbody car washes every week in the winter youll be surprised how clean it will stay. Im in RI and there is no way to prevent rust at all with the sand and salt. Sand scratches and exposes the metal and salt speeds up rust. Cant get away from it

 

[cvar]

Take your bed off, for a good look at what needs attention. Take a close look at your brake lines and your leaf spring mounts. I was shocked at the condition of mine.

Brakes: http://imgur.com/a/sUnMy
Springs: http://imgur.com/a/WpQR8
Frame: http://imgur.com/a/CKVUo

 

[bobbywalter]

completely disassemble. where the bridging and mounts are riveted....remove rivets and bridging and mounts...


blast/wire wheel everything


paint and reassemble with bolts.


repeat process every 3-5 years depending on what primer you use.

 

[killj0y]

completely disassemble. where the bridging and mounts are riveted....remove rivets and bridging and mounts...


blast/wire wheel everything


paint and reassemble with bolts.


repeat process every 3-5 years depending on what primer you use.

I want to do this by God that seems like so much freaking work. If I ever do it I'm gonna look for some really good coatings. I don't want to do it again that soon. Thank God I live in south Texas the only salt I see is the occasional drive on the beach lol. And it always gets blasted on the way out lol.

 

[bobbywalter]

yeah its a bit of work, but worth it.

 

[snomaker321]

Well i took another look underneath. Turns out that my rear drivers side leaf spring mount is completely shot, and the passengers side is ready to go. I'll try to get some pics up soon.

Broken leaf spring mount:

Front leaf spring mount. surface rust but solid:

Frame. spotty surface rust but solid