Ugh- more frame repair/patching ahead.

[racsan]

Well when I changed my tires out a few weeks ago I noticed a spot on the frame, left side where the shock mount rivits on, (The shock mount itself broke off from rust several years ago, I rigged up a new one with galvanized strap steel.) I tapped the frame where it was bubbling up and a hole appears. Going to have to pull the bed for this one, good time to check rest of the frame. I’ve already patched from the rearmost spring hangers back on both sides. It is nearly 30 years old and lived all its life in the salt belt. Still sucks though.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Ahh yes, rust belt joys. I’ve patched more frames than I’d like to admit to.

Funny thing is, it’s the newer stuff that rots if you look at it wrong. I haven’t had to do more than patch cab mounts on my 88 and 89. My 92 has one small patch next to the gas tank (I dug a TON of wood chips and dirt out of that area). My 95 F-150 has a few patches and is about due for a frame replacement. My green Ranger I replaced the rear half of the frame and the front has a bunch of patches.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I think that is because of "fead"? Not sure if that's the right acronym. Meaning that computers calculate loads and so frame sizes have shrunk pretty dramatically. I doubt they take much account of aging and rust, as long as it gets past the warranty. Older trucks were built stronger than necesary because the engineers weren't as sure about strength.

 

[sgtsandman]

I think that is because of "fead"? Not sure if that's the right acronym. Meaning that computers calculate loads and so frame sizes have shrunk pretty dramatically. I doubt they take much account of aging and rust, as long as it gets past the warranty. Older trucks were built stronger than necesary because the engineers weren't as sure about strength.

There is a lot of truth to this. Also, manufacturers want you buying vehicles. That doesn’t happen as much as they would like if the vehicle is built to last.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

One thing ive noticed in general, atleast among fullsize trucks...

It seems when ford/dodge/chevy changed to their "modern" trucks, is when rust became such a huge issue. 97 for ford, 99 for GM and 01 for dodge. Seems like after 2010 or so they started getting better again though.

Just an observation.

Of all the pre 97 fords ive had ive never had a frame rot issue besides crossmembers.

 

[don4331]

I think that is because of "fead"? Not sure if that's the right acronym. Meaning that computers calculate loads and so frame sizes have shrunk pretty dramatically. I doubt they take much account of aging and rust, as long as it gets past the warranty. Older trucks were built stronger than necesary because the engineers weren't as sure about strength.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA). It means as an engineer, you can calculate where to put required strength*, but don't need to put extra material where it isn't required. So, older trucks were built heavier than necessary as engineers weren't as sure about strength

*FEA can be garbage in/garbage out - if you don't have loads correct, and results say you can remove material in wrong place, results can be...embarrassing. e.g. F-150s with swiss cheese frames.

Material and manufacturing has a lot to do with how things corrode. The stronger steels are often more susceptible to corrosion. And if part has stress in it from the manufacturing process, corrosion starts easier e.g. the fancy hydro-forming of complex shapes and thicknesses in an alloy steel which allows for a lighter part of same strength is more susceptible to rusting.

From the doctor's office: A patient cured is patient lost.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Should just use cast iron 8 inch I beams for truck frames

 

[snoranger]

It could be worse… here’s a 2016 F550 that we’re sending to auction.

 

[scotts90ranger]

You guys live in areas where this happens on purpose? This is the frame of my '90 that I obtained in '04ish that was originally a '89, in the years since I've had it it's lived inside maybe 3 months... I only had to change the shackle bracket because it physically broke (that wrench lasted like 4 years, in my defense it was welded on with a portable spool gun in the sand dunes camp site), only minor surface rust... Everything that looks like bad rust is just grit from wheeling...

 

[racsan]

Not sure how many have seen these-pictures were when I first got the ‘94. Had no idea it was that bad until I was using the air chiesel to remove the spare tire carrier. It rained rust and afterwards the rearmost frame looked like cardboard that got hit with shotgun fire. Some salvaged channel iron from a cultimulcher (farm equipment) made it better.

 

[racsan]

Got it all patched up, 6”x5” 3/16” thick plate on inside & outside of frame with silicone between mating surfaces (to keep water out), Angle iron on drivers side top & bottom of framerail since that side was the worst. Got new shock mounts with a drainage hole at the lowest point, New shocks and some paint.