Frame rot

[MarkEagleUSA]

Any hope of fixing this?

Passenger side at rear of cab.

To say I'm devastated is an understatement t...

 

[DavidC]

Anything can be fixed, it's a matter of money and time invested. If it's that bad there it has to make you wonder about other areas. Maybe start check for another frame if the body is good.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Some more pics...

Looks like the drivers side is ready to go as well:

 

[DavidC]

It's definately not looking good Mark, It's a replacement frame or a new to you Truck. Looks like you basically have a uni-body but the bed is not welded to the cab.

 

[Timd32]

The sheet metal looks really good.

Are your wheel wells and rockers shot, the underside does not look bad?

My 96 was frame swapped, the body and cab needed lots of work which were done at the same time.

So depending on the rest of the truck. I would say it's a good candidate for a frame swap.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

The sheet metal looks really good.

Are your wheel wells and rockers shot, the underside does not look bad?

My 96 was frame swapped, the body and cab needed lots of work which were done at the same time.

So depending on the rest of the truck. I would say it's a good candidate for a frame swap.

The left rear wheel opening is showing some “puffing”, otherwise the body is in fair to good shape. Underneath, the rockers are starting to show some rust.

Right now I’m so upset I can’t even think straight.

 

[DavidC]

What State are you in that caused that disaster Mark ?

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

What State are you in that caused that disaster Mark ?

Road salt rich Connecticut...

 

[DavidC]

I'm really sorry your State caused you all this grief but I only see two ways out, replace the frame or the truck, if your showing body rust it is a big decision on how far you want to go.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Yeah, might be time to move on. I’m wondering what she might be worth “as is”...

 

[DavidC]

Yeah, might be time to move on. I’m wondering what she might be worth “as is”...

I really do not know as it is an accident waiting to happen. Parting it out comes to mind but I do not know how feasible that is either.

 

[DavidC]

Back in the day there were businesses that were labeled frame shops, don't know if they exist anymore but you could check around and get their opinion.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Back in the day there were businesses that were labeled frame shops, don't know if they exist anymore but you could check around and get their opinion.

Actually found a couple local shops that do frame repair. Guess a few phone calls will be made next week.

Also found a bunch of DIY stuff using Google.

 

[Wiredawg]

You could clean it up and weld 4inch L channel on both sides of the frame on both sides of the truck might shore it up just fine. I'm guessing salt/chemical slurry got into the frame repeatedly and no preventative maintenance.

When I lived in Iceland, i undercoated my truck and every week i thoroughly pressure washed the undercarriage and touched up chips in the paint. Chemicals bad ju ju.

Inspect it closer... betting the bottom portion of frame is bad, but top and good part of sides are NOT bad. Grind out the bad, weld in the good. Paint with zinc chromate paint and start a preventative maintenance routine every couple weeks but no less than once a month.

Cheers, Ron

 

[DavidC]

Another favorite spot I have noticed over the years is in front of the steering box where the frame goes down from the wheel.

 

[Wiredawg]

My former 93 Ram W250 came from Colorado and undercarriage was pretty rusty. I got my jitterbug sander, sanded complete undercarriage, hand painted mixture of Rustoleum gloss black and Rustoleum Kelly green, and in a couple days ENTIRE undercarriage protected. Had to grind bad metal in pax floorboard out, get some sheet metal and have it welded in. Undercarriage and body maintenance just as important as changing fluids regularly.

Sorry if I sound like a preacher... I learned from a friend in the military who did corrosion control on aircraft. I'm not even in a snow belt, but crawl under and inspect my vehicles every month, including checking fluids. Type A can work for you.

EDIT, and everytime I wash vehicles, I wash out frame, body and crevices underneath.

I believe your problem is very fixable if the rest of the truck is worth saving.

Cheers Again, Ron

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

You could clean it up and weld 4inch L channel on both sides of the frame on both sides of the truck might shore it up just fine.

After watching some YouTube vids that looks like a viable fix, at least short term.

 

[Wiredawg]

Have someone do it right and it'll outlast the truck.

Ron

 

[Ozymandias]

Maybe cheaper to replace whole frame, last price I heard is 1500 bucks for a new OEM.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Maybe cheaper to replace whole frame, last price I heard is 1500 bucks for a new OEM.

$1500. For that price I’d consider it. How would I find a part number?