I have a 2001 Quad Cab with a V6, 3.9L Magnum engine. It runs great. The problem is that the rear wheel wells are rusted out and need to be replaced along with a few other small rusted areas. (Since my husband died I've taken great care of the engine but the rust got out of control.) I would have the entire truck painted after the above repairs were made. My question is, "is it worth the money to have this bodywork done or am I better off buying another used one?" It will cost $2200 to have the wheel wells fabricated, all other rust removed and the paint job. Again, the engine runs great and is well taken care of.

If you suggest I buy another one, is there a particular year or engine that I should look for or avoid?

I'm really confused as to what would be the best thing to do. Thank you for any help/advice you'd be willing to give me! I truly appreciate this!

 

I can understand the rust problem. I'm in MA too.

Instead of all the fabricating, you might be able to find a good bed in a boneyard. It's only a few bolts that hold it on and you have a wide range, '97 to '03 should fit.

 

Thanks 00DakDan for your reply!

The problem with a new bed is the labor of getting it and putting it on. I could never do this. I did think of it though just don't know any way to get it done.

As far as keeping the truck or not, what do you think?

Thanks again for your reply! It's appreciated!

 

Depending upon what the bed costs it may not cost $2200.

It's really a judgement call. The truck is 13 years old. You know at some point it's going to need expensive repairs. The good thing is your insurance is cheaper than a new truck and you likely don't have any payments.

I'm going to drive mine into the ground, no way around it.

Maybe you could sell it yourself and get a newer version.

 

I agree with Dan, and will drive my truck till the wheels fall off or I am too old to drive it, which ever happens first. If something really catastrophic were to happen like a blown engine or grenaded transmission I might think about another truck. Until/unless that happens I will keep fixing and keep driving my Dakota.

In the movie "Seabiscuit" Toby McGuire says "you don't throw a life away just because it's a little banged up". That has stuck with me for a long time.

I bet you could find a garage or body shop willing to R&R the bed with a good bed from a donor truck in a junk yard. I bet they could even take care of getting the donor parts shipped to the shop too. If it were mine I would call around or better yet go in person to a few good garages and find one willing to do the job for a good price. Since the rest of the truck is in good shape and it runs well I would definitely fix it and keep it on the road.

Jimmy

 

I'm in the same boat. Rusted wheel wells in the bed, rockers and cab corners. needs a new engine/tranny and tires. I've looked at spending the same money for repairs and buying a full size ram 1500, but i'd get worse gas mileage, and higher insurance rates.

My little truck does everything I need to do, so I'm fixing it up, and keeping it.

Possible beds http://www.partshotlines.com/parts/d...ickup-box.html