Frame rust how bad is it?

[Lewy]

Could I get away with just rust proofing?
Would like to be able to tow using the v6 4l at around 5000 pounds. Only this part of the frame is this bad. Next to the gas tank.

 

[Dirtman]

Looks a bit sketchy to me since your flexing it by hand...

 

[ericbphoto]

That frame is staring you right in the eye and saying...

 

[farmer]

Gas tank area always collects crap so this is more prone to happening.

I'd address the issue before towing 5k with it.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

If all you were doing is driving it...id say run it.

But towing that kind of weight is going to put alot of stress espicially in that general area due to twisting.

It *might* be ok but i wouldnt try it. Its awful spongy.

 

[Josh B]

it won't just be on the surface either, but the bolts back there are also rusting underneath. To properly repair that would take a complete teardown and refurb, probably including a replaced frame

 

[farmer]

it won't just be on the surface either, but the bolts back there are also rusting underneath. To properly repair that would take a complete teardown and refurb, probably including a replaced frame

Nah, pull bed, gas tank, and spring hangers, grind and plate, paint and reinstall everything.

Check out last page of my build thread in my sig to see how I did it. Overkill as hell, but same concepts with thinner plate would be fine

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Nah, pull bed, gas tank, and spring hangers, grind and plate, paint and reinstall everything.

Check out last page of my build thread in my sig to see how I did it. Overkill as hell, but same concepts with thinner plate would be fine

That won't work for everyone, in every case.

Either way, there's really only one course of action. Start chipping away at it until you see just how far and how deep the rust goes. Get out the flatblade screwdriver and start chipping away...

 

[farmer]

That won't work for everyone, in every case.

Either way, there's really only one course of action. Start chipping away at it until you see just how far and how deep the rust goes. Get out the flatblade screwdriver and start chipping away...

True that.

I was more thinking that complete frame replacement was excessive, but the screwdriver comment gives me flashbacks to one of my parts trucks. Looked fixable, but was mush.

 

[adsm08]

Find a new truck.

 

[Lewy]

Ah damn. Got this truck because I was interested in fixing something up without knowing anything about vehicles. Still would prefer to be able to fix the frame if possible. I cleaned it up and did find one hole in that area and took a few pictures.
I had originally planned on removing everything possible on the frame and rust proofing it. I was hoping it was a small enough section of the frame that I could cut the piece out and add a new one in.
Ignore the brake line to the brake caliper. I'll fix that

Spoiler: Images

Before

After

 

[Dirtman]

I definitely 100% would not tow with that thing... it's fixable but is the truck really worth the effort?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I definitely 100% would not tow with that thing... it's fixable but is the truck really worth the effort?

Yes. If it keeps it from being crushed and turned into an EV.

 

[farmer]

Truck is fixable/usable, but I wouldn't risk towing with it. I'll bet that frame cancer runs deeper than you think.

 

[ericbphoto]

I just re-watched the first video he posted. When I see that frame flex in his hands, it scares me. In my opinion, it needs some serious repair/strengthening. But replacing the whole back end of the frame would be better, IF the front half really is good.