2011 F350 frame rust
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 17
2011 F350 frame rust
Save me, boys. My garage kept 2011 F350 crew cab short box has frame rust holes on the cross members under the bed, and the bed is rusting away also. It is from towing the RV to Florida through northeast winter brined roads. I got three different opinions this week from three different body shops. In short, all three basically said trade it. Any insight into an affordable fix? She is still showroom perfect body- and interior-wise with only 152,000 miles on the 6.7 except for the cross member and bed rot. I did order a new truck this week, but would prefer to keep ol' tried n true.
Save her please.
Save her please.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,654
Likes: 1,340
I would search for a southern replacement. I would guess north of $3000.00.
This thread is a good example of why these trucks need to be sprayed once a year with an oil type coating like Krown or Fluid Film.
This thread is a good example of why these trucks need to be sprayed once a year with an oil type coating like Krown or Fluid Film.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 475
Is the frame cross member rotted through or is it just the bed cross members? Pictures would help.
If the frames rotted, you'd need to get some good used cross members and swap them out, but first you'd need to check the integrity of the main rails. I've seen whole good frames, in the $500-1000 range on Clist and FB, so it might be worth looking for one of those and using it for parts, or just swapping the whole thing out.
If it's just the bed it can easily be repaired or just find a good used bed. Used beds are $1500+ depending on condition
If the frames rotted, you'd need to get some good used cross members and swap them out, but first you'd need to check the integrity of the main rails. I've seen whole good frames, in the $500-1000 range on Clist and FB, so it might be worth looking for one of those and using it for parts, or just swapping the whole thing out.
If it's just the bed it can easily be repaired or just find a good used bed. Used beds are $1500+ depending on condition
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 475
What condition is the rest of the truck in? I can't see anyone recommending trading that in for the little bit of rust i see. Your bed floor looks clean enough that it'd be a fairly easy, and quick, job for any competent shop. Problem is most shops seem to just want to do insurance work where they mostly replace bolt on parts.
The replacement rails are like $200, and If you have access to a welder and a way to remove the bed, they're pretty easy to do. Then you can paint and under coat everything , even the frame if you wanted, before putting it back on.
The replacement rails are like $200, and If you have access to a welder and a way to remove the bed, they're pretty easy to do. Then you can paint and under coat everything , even the frame if you wanted, before putting it back on.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 719
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The body is in showroom condition. She's spent 95,000 of her 150,000 miles towing the fifth wheel up and down the east coast, so she's got some wear and tear in the cab, but other than that she's still very purty. Crushed that it's been suggested to trade it. It is safe to tow still, but not sure for how long. Problem is finding someone around here to do the welding to spec. And finding the parts. I found a complete bed, have a company that can paint it, but removing the current and getting the welding done... Another concern is what other rot will be found once disassembled?
Too many questions yet. You've given me hope, so after this next trip concludes in two weeks I will be working on trying to get her fixed up.
Too many questions yet. You've given me hope, so after this next trip concludes in two weeks I will be working on trying to get her fixed up.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 661
Likes: 186
From: Lakeland, MN
A replacement southern bed is the way to go for you, about 2k is going rate. Doesn't sound like you don't want to tackle doing it yourself. Any good shop should easily be able to remove the bed, wire wheel or blast the rails and paint them with an encapsulant paint like Chassis Saver, Por 15, KBS, etc. The bed bolts are like 50-60 for a complete set, and the rails as mentioned are maybe 400 tops for all 5 of the rails. They cut off the old ones, clean the area, weld on the new ones, and then paint the bottom of the bed. Be a good idea to paint it with the encapsulant and especially for them to paint the inside of the rails before they mount them on the bed. Another good idea would be to take it to a undercoater and let them stick a tube into each rail and undercoat inside the rails then shoot the rest of the bottom. Most of our rails actually rust from the inside out.
There are several class action suits against towns, counties, and NYS (if that's where your from) that you can get in on over the usage of the corrosive brine BS. Salt is 1 thing, but this nasty brine concoction they're using is DESTROYING cars around here. Ziebart makes a mint on undercoating, but even with it many cars are rusted thru in 3 or 4 years. Its all about that crap they're spraying.
There are several class action suits against towns, counties, and NYS (if that's where your from) that you can get in on over the usage of the corrosive brine BS. Salt is 1 thing, but this nasty brine concoction they're using is DESTROYING cars around here. Ziebart makes a mint on undercoating, but even with it many cars are rusted thru in 3 or 4 years. Its all about that crap they're spraying.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 604
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Anyone in Oregon had any rust issues with their cars that should make me concerned about undercoating? Ive had used vehicles up in Alaska as well as very old vehicles in Oregon and pretty much no rust, wondering if I have just been lucky and should consider undercoating my 350 whenever it arrives.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 868
Likes: 84
From: Florida
That truck is showroom new compared to mine. Get a used bed. Car-part.com is one avenue. Once the bed is off, clean off the rails and do what the other guys mention. It's worth saving.......Do It!
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,264
Likes: 438
From: IL
Definitely not in bad shape at all. The rust is on the bed rails not your frame rails or crossmembers. If it were me, I'd order the box crossmembers and make sure you set a set with the crossmember closest to the front of the box next to the cab, a lot of the sets being sold doesn't give that one. Once you have the parts in your possession call call up a mobile welding outfit to come to your house and replace the crossmembers. That is if you can pull the box yourself because if they do it then you'd probably be better off price wise to just buy a rustfree bed and swap it.
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