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rusted rear frame cross member & trailer hitch tow frame
My tow hitch was rusted through. Lowered the spare, cut the bolts off, removed the tow hitch. Then I noticed that the rear frame cross member is as rotten as the tow hitch frame. This is the 'X' shaped crossmember that the spare tire winches upto. 2 junkyards said that they don't have any, and that ford doesn't carry them. They said if I found a jused one, it would probably be rotten already. I went to Ford and they confirmed that they don't carry them. Anyone else have this problem? Is there any easy resolution? I really don't feel like fabricating my own right now.
Have one shipped from a recycler NOT in the northeast. It is the road salt that eats up your vehicles. Rust is very rare on trucks that spent their lives out here in the southwest... I have ordered several parts sight unseen from Al's and get exactly what I ordered every time. Al's Lynnwood Truck Parts
I'm sure there are lots of others with good service and good shipping.
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'99 F250 V10 Super Cab Long Bed 4x4. '06 short block, PI conversion, modded airbox, 5 Star custom tune, FM50BB, 315/75-16 GY Duratracs, mild lift, 4.30 LSD, Ride-Rite bags, on board air, Rancho RS9000 w/MyRide, under bed subwoofer, 160 amp Quick Start large case alternator
Why, yes, I am some kind of geek engineer. Thank you for asking.
you must get some crazy salt guys where you live? my 2004 only has rust on the bed supportswhich im gonna sand and paint before november, other than that the truck is rust free and im from the rust beltin NJ. I do however wash my truck all winter long to get as much salt off the frame as possible.
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2004 F-350, XLT, SC, SB, FX4, 5.4, 4R100 w/ TransGo HD shift kit, 4.30 gears w/ stock LS, SCT X3, zoo dad mod w/ STOCK intake, Gibson stainless headers, SPD y-pipe, 51509 cat, Borla exhaust, 1" rear AAL, dually upper and lower overload spring, 08 diff cover, ProComp 22210 springs, more.....
Much better to bring it to a welder and have him fab it up for you..doesn't need to look the same just be strong and done correctly..Bring it up to vermont and drop it off and I'd be glad to do it.
I would have a new rear crossmember fabbed from some square tube and plate. Then mount the spare tire hanger/reel assembly to it, if the assembly is ok. Check the reel and cable for rust damage. Its a simple fab job for someone who does it on a regular basis. Use all grade 8 hardware to bolt the new crossmember to the frame. I always over build my stuff with heavier steel and bolts, more weight but less chance of failure.
When you live in areas with harsh winter environments you have to get under the truck and keep rust at bay or you will suffer the consequences. Its especially bad for a plow truck with a blade and salt spreader. I'm under my truck removing rust and painting on a regular basis when the weather is nicer.
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"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." (Thomas Jefferson)
HOLY FING CRAP! Thats horrible for a truck with 20k on it. my 1978 F150 i bought two years ago came from PA and it look almost new underneath. even my 2004 350 looks almost showroom new. I seriously blam Ford for this, you buy a forty thousand dollar truck and half of the undercarriage is bare steel, then you bring it in for rust "under warrenty" and you have some pencil pusher say o thats not covered. If i ever get enough money in this economy and decide to buy another new 1Ton i dont think it will be another Ford.....
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2004 F-350, XLT, SC, SB, FX4, 5.4, 4R100 w/ TransGo HD shift kit, 4.30 gears w/ stock LS, SCT X3, zoo dad mod w/ STOCK intake, Gibson stainless headers, SPD y-pipe, 51509 cat, Borla exhaust, 1" rear AAL, dually upper and lower overload spring, 08 diff cover, ProComp 22210 springs, more.....
i use tinypic.com all youdo is click on browse and go to where the pictures are saved on your computer, then just pick the size you want and click upload, then copy the URL for a web forum and post it here on the quick reply and your done.
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2004 F-350, XLT, SC, SB, FX4, 5.4, 4R100 w/ TransGo HD shift kit, 4.30 gears w/ stock LS, SCT X3, zoo dad mod w/ STOCK intake, Gibson stainless headers, SPD y-pipe, 51509 cat, Borla exhaust, 1" rear AAL, dually upper and lower overload spring, 08 diff cover, ProComp 22210 springs, more.....
Sorry to dig up an old thread here, but I've just discovered similar rot to the rear cross member on my F350. Found it after hearing my spare bouce around. After reading some of these responses I'm most likely going to have a welder take a look at it as I'm in the New England and haven't found anything at local salvage yards. Do need a gut check here though....until it's fixed am I pushing my luck doing any local (non-highway) towing? It's a class V receiver bolted to the frame. The frame in the area of the receiver bolt up has surface rust, but is pretty much solid. Average load of the trailers I'm towing is about 2000K with 250lbs tounge weight.
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I went to Ford and they confirmed that they don't carry them. 
Anyone else have this problem? Is there any easy resolution? I really don't feel like fabricating my own right now.
