How should I clean under there first? Spray Degreaser and wipe?

 

Spray the underside of the vehicle liberally with some Spray-Nine or some Purple Stuff (available at most auto parts stores or Walmart). Let it sit for about 30 minutes for the chemicals to work, then wash it off with a water hose & sprayer. If you have a pressure washer, even better... Check your truck frame closely for any rusty areas - depending on where the rust is, you may need to have a welder fix up the frame rust if it's welded through.

This type of stuff you're finding is very common for a 22 year old-ish truck with a relatively unknown maintenance history.

 

Even though it's good practice to use safety glasses when working on the vehicle, especially under the vehicle, but in this case main purpose of the glasses is not for protection. Yellow lens helps to see dye better.

 

Did you notice if you are using more oil/fluid or coolant? That would indicate it's leaking, Might want to check the valve cover nuts, If they are loose oil will run down all over the bottom of the motor.

 

The dye shows up pretty well. The YELLOW safety glasses are for the intense UV light. It can cause cataracts to the eye, if not retinal damage. Between Medicare and out of pocket, my two cataract removals were $11,000. I didn't realize how blind I was until I got my eyes fixed.

 

Found some things.






(Unrelated) New headlights

 

Are those photos from before the motor was cleaned or after? As mentioned before, the motor really needs to be cleaned up 1st and/or use dye to truly find the source of the leaks.

 

Haven’t gotten around to it yet. The pictures are just for a better example of how it looks under there. More so up front. I’m currently gathering everything I need to clean it all up and get to searching for leaks. Just been working a lot recently.