'97 ranger and frame rust
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New User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: statesville nc
'97 ranger and frame rust
Hi Guys,
I'm looking at a '97 ranger (private sale). 54K miles, looks pretty good. Looking underneath, I notice the frame and underneath components (muffler, shocks, etc) have a moderate amount of rust, although the sheet metal looks fine in "the usual problem areas". My '97 F-150 is basically rust-free. Is this common for rangers of this vintage? Should I worry about this and walk away?
I'm looking at a '97 ranger (private sale). 54K miles, looks pretty good. Looking underneath, I notice the frame and underneath components (muffler, shocks, etc) have a moderate amount of rust, although the sheet metal looks fine in "the usual problem areas". My '97 F-150 is basically rust-free. Is this common for rangers of this vintage? Should I worry about this and walk away?
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Friendswood, Texas
Is it a local truck or did it make its way to NC from Florida in the past 8-9 months. If it is a local truck and you've not had any recent flooding, it should be OK. Could be winter road salt as suggested above or could have done some beach time somewhere. If it's not too bad, I wouldn't worry about it (unless it came from FL in the past year).
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New User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: statesville nc
No, it was bought at a local dealer in late '96. The guy lives in my neighborhood, so his winter exposure is the same as mine. (we don't get much, they salt maybe 2-3 times per winter). Thanks for your opinions.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
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i would not be to worried about it either. the only thing that will probably be a problem with the rust is the muffler. you may be replacing it soon. would be wise to put a SS cat back exhaust in to replace it.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
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I wouldn't worry too much about the rust. If you have a local shop that does under coatings, like crown or rust check, just get it undercoated and it will stop or slow the rusting all together. It's a bit messy to work on but will prolong the life.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: South Jersey
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If you go to a good quality undercoating outfit, they use rust inhibitors in their products. I live where there is 4 month of salt usage a year on the roads. My truck frame used to be rusted when I bought the truck two years ago. I got it rust proofed (undercoated, call it what you will) right away and once every season before winter. It looks like a factory tar coating now. Verry messy when you got to work under there but there is no rust.
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