Frame rust
#1
Frame rust
Hello folks,
My truck has not been used in a couple of years. I want to use it to haul some stuff from Maryland to Ohio. I went out today to have a look at the brakes because one of the front wheels was heating up the last time I used it. I took a look at all the rust and began to wander if it is time to let this truck go. I remembered that the last mechanic who worked on it years ago told me that I should have the frame welded to reinforce it if I intend to keep it.
It is a 96 Ram 1500 5.9l V8 4WD. The engine only has 60k miles and runs great. I believe the transmission has about 30k miles. This truck is so rusty because it's sole purpose was plowing snow for the first 10 years. I'd have to spend about $5k to get a similar truck, and it would have at least double the miles.
What would you do?
My truck has not been used in a couple of years. I want to use it to haul some stuff from Maryland to Ohio. I went out today to have a look at the brakes because one of the front wheels was heating up the last time I used it. I took a look at all the rust and began to wander if it is time to let this truck go. I remembered that the last mechanic who worked on it years ago told me that I should have the frame welded to reinforce it if I intend to keep it.
It is a 96 Ram 1500 5.9l V8 4WD. The engine only has 60k miles and runs great. I believe the transmission has about 30k miles. This truck is so rusty because it's sole purpose was plowing snow for the first 10 years. I'd have to spend about $5k to get a similar truck, and it would have at least double the miles.
What would you do?
#2
You should have several folks in that area that perform frame repairs. With the cost of new trucks these days, I'd work on finding a good welder to repair your frame. I've had some places on my frame repaired and have been very happy with the repairs. I also took some time a while ago and took the bed off the truck to treat the frame (knock off the rust with a heavy wire brush in a grinder) and apply a product called Zero-Rust to stop rust from spreading on the frame. Lots of work, but much cheaper than another truck payment. I also don't drive my truck every day, just when I need to haul things.
#3
You should have several folks in that area that perform frame repairs. With the cost of new trucks these days, I'd work on finding a good welder to repair your frame. I've had some places on my frame repaired and have been very happy with the repairs. I also took some time a while ago and took the bed off the truck to treat the frame (knock off the rust with a heavy wire brush in a grinder) and apply a product called Zero-Rust to stop rust from spreading on the frame. Lots of work, but much cheaper than another truck payment. I also don't drive my truck every day, just when I need to haul things.
How much do you think I should be prepared to spend on frame repair? $1k, $2k?
#4
#5
DON'T drive that anywhere except the JY. The frame and especially the steering and suspension are rotted. Get a rolling frame and go from there. Pull the engine and transmission first. There is a lot more than $5K worth of corrosion damage. Keep it as an off road plow or on your property hauling junk around. My .02
#7
Thanks for your reply.
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#8
DON'T drive that anywhere except the JY. The frame and especially the steering and suspension are rotted. Get a rolling frame and go from there. Pull the engine and transmission first. There is a lot more than $5K worth of corrosion damage. Keep it as an off road plow or on your property hauling junk around. My .02
#9
Hello folks,
My truck has not been used in a couple of years. I want to use it to haul some stuff from Maryland to Ohio. I went out today to have a look at the brakes because one of the front wheels was heating up the last time I used it. I took a look at all the rust and began to wander if it is time to let this truck go. I remembered that the last mechanic who worked on it years ago told me that I should have the frame welded to reinforce it if I intend to keep it.
It is a 96 Ram 1500 5.9l V8 4WD. The engine only has 60k miles and runs great. I believe the transmission has about 30k miles. This truck is so rusty because it's sole purpose was plowing snow for the first 10 years. I'd have to spend about $5k to get a similar truck, and it would have at least double the miles.
What would you do?
My truck has not been used in a couple of years. I want to use it to haul some stuff from Maryland to Ohio. I went out today to have a look at the brakes because one of the front wheels was heating up the last time I used it. I took a look at all the rust and began to wander if it is time to let this truck go. I remembered that the last mechanic who worked on it years ago told me that I should have the frame welded to reinforce it if I intend to keep it.
It is a 96 Ram 1500 5.9l V8 4WD. The engine only has 60k miles and runs great. I believe the transmission has about 30k miles. This truck is so rusty because it's sole purpose was plowing snow for the first 10 years. I'd have to spend about $5k to get a similar truck, and it would have at least double the miles.
What would you do?
Having been used as a plow truck with a salt spreader,, I can tell you there is rust you can't see in there too. What you have is a rolling parts truck. All it will take is one rough pot hole and the frame will snap. I'd find a good southern truck and use your parts to fix it up. Your drive train is worth a good chunk of change. The frame is barely good for scrap metal.
This is what will probably happen if you load your truck heavy.