Here’s a picture of the rust I found… what do you all think?
When it starts looking like a brownie… it’s probably time to say goodbye to it.
Sorry, did my best with that one!
Just to add… this is the only spot I’ve found that looks this bad so far.
charry said:
Just to add… this is the only spot I’ve found that looks this bad so far.
Looks like it’s on its last legs… rest in peace, old truck.
It’s gone buddy… nothing left to save.
Has anyone here actually replaced a frame? How much did it cost?
Vick said:
Has anyone here actually replaced a frame? How much did it cost?
Cost me about $12,000 at a dealership after a rear-end crash.
Edit: I first thought it was $15k but checked the invoice and it was less.
@Zeek
Do you remember how much was parts and how much was labor? Always wondered about that.
Kerr said:
@Zeek
Do you remember how much was parts and how much was labor? Always wondered about that.
@Zeek
Thanks… that’s super helpful.
Labor rate of $46 is way cheaper than what we pay now in Canada. I thought labor would cost more than parts honestly.
Labor rate of $46 is way cheaper than what we pay now in Canada. I thought labor would cost more than parts honestly.
Yeah I thought the same when I looked back at it. If you want to see the full invoice, I can send it to you in a private message!
That’s really rough… not much left to save.
My brother… it’s time to let it go.
The problem isn’t the rust you can see, it’s what’s hidden inside. If you see this much on the outside, the inside is worse. These frames are made in layers and welded together. You can still fix it if you want, but it’s going to take a lot of work if you want it to last.
@JACI
What can I do to fix it? What are my choices?
charry said:
@JACI
What can I do to fix it? What are my choices?
It depends how long you want to keep the truck. What I do is remove the frame, sandblast it clean, cut out thin spots especially at the bottom quarter of the boxed sections, weld in SAF-T Caps, add metal where needed, and coat it with epoxy primer.
The common bad spots are near the transmission crossmember, the front cab mounts, and the front leaf spring perches. Some folks just grind enough to weld on the SAF-T Cap and leave it at that, but I like doing it properly. It can cost more depending how deep you go.
How old is your truck? How many miles? Where are you located? I’ve had mine a few years in the Midwest and I’m always worried about rust too.
Miller said:
How old is your truck? How many miles? Where are you located? I’ve had mine a few years in the Midwest and I’m always worried about rust too.
It’s a 2006 with 160,000 miles. I’m in Indiana.
Looks like it will be fine to drive on the street for a while… but I wouldn’t trust it offroad.
One good hit and the frame could give out. Also… good luck getting an alignment.
Oh no… just checked and saw you just bought this truck. Take it back now if you can and tell them the frame is shot.
@North
They won’t do anything about it.