Is This Part Really Necessary?
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Sandy Hook, CT
Is This Part Really Necessary?
I'm restoring the bed on my '96 250...underneath isn't really all that bad considering its New England upbringing. However, the shield that goes over where the exhaust runs close to the bed is totally rusted away. Its VERY thin metal to begin with so it doesn't surprise me that its toast. My question is, is it really important to replace it? Its function to shield heat from the bed seems marginal at best...any advise? Oh yea, and where do I find one if I need it? See the pic posted (not my truck, just a stock photo showing the part)
Roger
Roger
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 816
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From: Sandy Hook, CT
Yea, I hear you about the crossmembers. Mine, the one right behind the front tank, is getting a little thin with rust, but I think I caught it in time. My neighbor has a '95 that he's selling me for 100.00 so I'm going to see if that one is any better. If it is, I'm cutting it off and saving it for when mine completely rusts away. I'm not too hopeful, though, that trucks been sitting in his backyard on the dirt for nearly 10 years....
Roger
Roger
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Cottage Grove, WI
No, that part is not needed. Worse case senario is that you tow a heavy load over a long trip, and exhaust temps rise to the point they bake the paint off the box. It has happened, but not if all you do is drive the truck.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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Yea, I hear you about the crossmembers. Mine, the one right behind the front tank, is getting a little thin with rust, but I think I caught it in time. My neighbor has a '95 that he's selling me for 100.00 so I'm going to see if that one is any better. If it is, I'm cutting it off and saving it for when mine completely rusts away. I'm not too hopeful, though, that trucks been sitting in his backyard on the dirt for nearly 10 years....
Roger
Roger
