Hi there,
I finally found a 2001 F350 7.3 diesel I was looking for - good mileage, well taken care of and records to show it. However, there is quite a bit of undercarriage rust - see attached pics. Will this be a problem for the chassis and drivetrain and should this stop me from buying?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and feedback!
Pete

 

This vehicle looks to have sat idle for long, long periods of time. Brake rotors look untouched in months.

The larger thicker bits aren't a huge concern (to me) but I'd look much more closely at small parts like spring shackles etc. Anything thinner or small will rust away more quickly, if those are easily replaceable not major concern.

I'd be looking at the body underneath and perhaps under the stock floor mats. Rust in those spots can be quite expensive or time consuming to repair/replace----the wisdom of that much work should be considered.

Frame/chassis stuff is easy, body not so much.


HTH

 

JWA, thanks for your reply. I am having the truck inspected by a shop, as I intend to replace quite a few parts before an extended truck camper road trip I am taking across the Americas. Any specific spots/parts I should ask the shop to look at?

Thanks!

 

Not sure what kind of shop you're having it inspected by but if its a chassis shop they'll be able to assess what if anything really needs done.

A body shop would be best for issues related to the underside condition.

From what I see by these few photos I don't see any perforations in the frame, rust shown for the most part being surface rust that forms when a vehicle sits idle for long periods of time.

 

i agree,it looks like that thing sat for a long time.
as for the frame and undercarrage rust issues, i would give it a good coat of ospho to neutralize the rust, then prime and paint the while thing.
that will make it last forever if taken care of after treatment.

 

Tom, JWA, thanks for your feedback! I am having it inspected as suggested by a chassis shop and buying if they give me the green light. Fingers crossed.

 

UGH !


If the motor goes another 100K and the truck cost $2000 then its a horse race.


That is a huge work time of rust. How are the rear shock mount$ ? the wells before the front wheels ? Rear bumper ? Brake n oil lines ?


always a better buy around the corner.


I have excellent results with thorough wire brushing, thinned linseed then Rusto....maybe for critical areas. But linseed requires a HOT climate for drying to a plastic state before winter sets in.


try a small punch n hammer see if the punch goes thru the frame. The sellers just love this....


whats that chrome sardine can ? a rust limiter ?

 

May want to look at all the brake lines, especially at the fittings and where lines may rest against something (frame, axle). With all that rust, brake lines aren't far behind in failure..