Hang in there. Used 2nd gen Dodge trucks typically require a bit of TLC to get them up to snuff from prior owners usage, unless the prior owner really kept up on maintenance. I've spent a lot of time, effort and cash on my truck (just got it re-painted and now upgrading gears to 4.10s) and I'm very happy with it now. I don't drive it daily and I typically have the time to take it down to make the required repairs. Fix one thing at a time and celebrate your success after each repair. I really like fixing my truck in lieu of a continued truck payment!

 

No payment a real plus
This truck sat most of the time with previous owner. From Il rust belt but kept in a barn shed. I am second owner. Body is great. Just hit 83k miles. Just did not expect all the issues.. of course I do go looking for trouble before it happens

 

My truck had a bit of a rough life - it was previously used as a snow plow truck. The frame has a bit of rust in it and when I got the truck, the prior owner used a couple of ratcheting straps to hold the 35 gallon fuel tank in place instead of replacing the factory tank hangers. The motor was so rusty, simple things like removing the valve covers or changing spark plugs became serious time-consuming projects. After dealing with that rusty motor more than a few times, I ended up swapping the motor out for another used, rust-free motor.

 

My engine is not bad. Exhaust manifold rusty, think one might be leaking some. Will have that looked at later.
Most of my rust is the brake lines, slight fuel lines, bolts, screws, under carriage stuff, drive shaft, plan on new universals this winter.
I sprayed on the Grempler Rust Neutralizer.. it works to stop the oxidation turns the rust black.