So I went and looked at another truck today. For the money and mileage and age, this seems like a real deal. It's a Dodge Dakota. I got on the ground and looked around and in most places the frame looks super, still mostly black and smooth from being rustproofed a long time ago.

But there was this one spot, and I've attached a pic. Camera is flat on the ground shooting up. The round thing is the collar for the shock (or strut), and in the forefront is the edge of the truck, specifically the front door.

thoughts? Is this part of the frame? is it critical? I just had to junk one truck due to a broken frame, so don't want to tackle another! Is this a spot that could be welded?

 

Thats the body mount. Unless you can get it for dirt cheap id pass on it.

 

Welcome to the forum! Pass on this one, then make yourself at home here and continue to look.

 

Yeah that looks like a body mount to me too.

I would pass on that as well.

 

I'd poke at it and any other corrosion spots with an ice pick or phillips screwdriver. If you have any questions, take it to a mechanics shop and have it inspected. Really not a very good picture and we can't judge the rest of the frame by this one spot.

You don't say what year, where it is, or where your are. If it's not all the way through, POR 15 and zinc chromate paint (or even just Rustoleum) will fix it. It could even be reinforced with some steel if the truck is good otherwise.

 

No its not even worth it unless its under like 1,000.00. Trust me i've been there and it only gets worse and starts showing up in more spots. Its not worth the headache.

 

I'd agree with Mr. Cummins over here.

Rust is a disease, and I think that case looks particularly bad.

I'd side with Brian if that rust was on a wheel well or fender that POR15 would help, but not on a mount or frame.

 

Thanks guys. I decided to take a pass on it. Sadly the rest of the frame looked very very solid. Rust was coming up the bottom edges of the doors, but this was a 2007 with 140K New England winter mileage, so it is likely more of the frame was going to pot too.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the advice!

 

2007? Thats horrible! My 02 ram has 155k on it and lived in central pa all its life and its 95% rust free. All depends how well you take care of it. Also 2007 is a 3rd gen dakota not 2nd gen like the section you are in. Dont worry about it tho