"glemon" (glemon)
02/06/2019 at 23:17 • Filed to: None
1
13|
"glemon" (glemon)
02/06/2019 at 23:17 • Filed to: None | 1
| 13 |
So my son came home and said the 97 Ranger which I am letting him drive was making a funny noise. I look and there is a major list on the left rear. Having been under the truck before I know the leaf spring mount or bracket is pretty rusty. Investigation show that in fact the bracket has collapsed.
I am expecting a lot of rust with the repair and I am not disappointed. Every piece that needs to be removed is corroded in tight. Much grinding, drilling and cursing follows.
Apparently these things rust out on a regular basis, because the part is in stock at the local chain store.
So once everything is off things will be easy. Of course not. The bolts through the frame, the backside is blocked completely by the gas tank. I have developed an ingenious system to fish the bolts through by wrapping fine wire around the threads and pulling them through.
Score so far, 1-1, one bolt through, one buried in the frame. Job was supposed to be done today.
Fact that it is 8 degrees out and most tools are at my mom’s while I build garage does not help. Time to quit, hopefully finish tomorrow.
The frame is solid, so that is good.
Why is rust the rule on 15-20 year old trucks, and more of an exception on 15-20 year old cars?
Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> glemon
02/06/2019 at 23:46 |
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Reason : trucks are more likely to be driven in winter than nice passenger vehicles (?) so they see the brunt of road wear perhaps. My statisticians are working day and night to confirm this assumption.
facw
> glemon
02/06/2019 at 23:55 |
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I’d guess:
More likely to get driven in bad weather (salty)
Less likely to be washed frequently
Probably cruder construction?
Future Heap Owner
> glemon
02/07/2019 at 00:12 |
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Maybe the higher ground clearance and general roominess underneath trucks makes it easier for the salt to get all over everything and kickstart corrosion.
MrDakka
> glemon
02/07/2019 at 00:27 |
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40% of the time 60 % of any rust is a structural component.
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glemon
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
02/07/2019 at 00:29 |
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Thanks, looking forward to the results—my conclusions are partially based on-shopping for cheap truck, most everything is rusty—shopping for a cheap car a few years back, a few bubbles, but many rust free. Also see picture in article above.
I think it might partially be use, but also modern cars are pretty well sealed up underneath in the wheel wells, where back of trucks are open.
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glemon
> Future Heap Owner
02/07/2019 at 00:40 |
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You may be right. That reminds me of my first hurdle in the repair. All my vehicles before this have been small, low, and sporty. Usually my jacking issues relate to having something low enough to get under the car. My floor jack is maxed out getting up to the truck frame. My jack stands are maxed out trying to hold up a jacked up truck.
Had to build some sturdy stands to put thing on just to get the thing raised up to work on it.
gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
> glemon
02/07/2019 at 01:44 |
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Guess is on cars wheel well takes the brunt of salt salt and road crap, which removes and coating or surface treatment faster. A truck has crap flinging all over the place.
Also on a track frame a lot more spots for sand crap to pile up nice and thick trapping moisture and salt in there.
pip bip - choose Corrour
> glemon
02/07/2019 at 04:16 |
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one easy step to avoid rust.
move
Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
> glemon
02/07/2019 at 07:46 |
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Could you grind everything clean and have the replacement bracket welded on?
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glemon
> Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
02/07/2019 at 09:32 |
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Actuall that should have been a great option when the nubs of the old rivets were still there to locate it and hold it in place. I would have to trust my limited welding skill and harbor freight MIG or call somebody in or get the truck towed. Too cheap and stubborn to pursue those options.
jimz
> glemon
02/07/2019 at 10:06 |
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open frames like that have “traps” where salt and water can collect and sit.
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Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
> glemon
02/07/2019 at 15:49 |
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I
thought of that. If you used the Harbor Freight welder, you’d probably need to preheat with gas first.
Jayvincent
> glemon
02/08/2019 at 06:59 |
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counterpoint - put some larger tires on the stock rims and you can work under your car without jacking! Ask me how I know...
