Bought back my first truck that started my love for Dodge. But it wasn't taken care of by previous owners and now has what looks like some serious rust issues on shock mount and control arm mounts. I can't seem to locate any weld on replacement parts. How are others dealing with this issue. I want to fix truck and make it safe.

 

Either build new ones from scratch, or buy another frame and swap body, bed, running gear etc.\

I gather it's a 4x4? That upper shock mount MAY be findable in a boneyard. The A-frame mount, since it's actually the frame, not so much.

And if you're serious about keeping it, you probably need to plan on a cab-off redo of the frame - stripping off the rust, recoating, patching any weak spots, and replacing all the hard lines (brake and fuel) from the front to the back. Down here in Louisiana, that frame would be in the boneyard, not on the road.

RwP

 

Seeing this made me sad. I think these trucks are going to be sought after one day. Especially since there are so few replacement parts available.

Mine is in better shape, but still got a rust hole in the frame. I was in the process of rebuilding my upper control arm when I noticed a large buildup of dirt and rust. I cleaned it up with a screw drive, hammer and shop vac. Took 3 layers of rust off and managed to punch a hole into the frame. I inspected the entire frame and that seems to be the only bad spot. Luckily for me my shock mounts were still holding strong.

In my opinion that is very minor frame rust. Your upper control arm mounts probably have more structural strength to that area than that one spot in between. I don't think your frame is in any danger of collapsing. Now the mounts themselves might be a different story. I am surprised it didn't buckle by now. Big job. You can probably get one from another frame at a scrapper.

It's unfortunate that something like this is so commonly neglected as it could easily be preventable. You don't even have to take the tire off to just give it a quick clean. I honestly don't know why this gets overlooked so much. I see this on chevys, fords, dodges alike. They're all the same. If you let it sit too long, that happens. No different that dirt and sand getting into your rocker panels. With enough time you get rust holes. Boggles my mind. It could be visibly sealed, yet somehow insane amounts of dirt manage to get in.... Maybe the filthy water on roads carry it in through tiny leaks over time?

How are your bump stops?

 

Here is a photo of my upper control arm rust.

I keep finding problems with this thing. Cab mount rust is a big issue. So if you are planning on swapping the frame, you might have trouble getting the mounts off.