crager1988

Have a 1997 lariat that has a lot of rust and I have noticed a lot of others with the same problem. Anyone have any idea why some years seem to be worse than others. I also have a 1988 and friends with trucks from the mid 1990's that dont seem to have near the problem. Whats up???

arkansas4x4

Alot of it is where the truck came from because of the salt on the roads

Gregg75

i have a 97 as well and at this point i have no idea what is holding the body to the frame anymore... sure the conditions in which the truck is kept/driven play into the rust but i'm thinkin the clowns in research and development were tryin to save a few bucks by not doing any undercoating. a vehicle that is made for dirt and snow that deteriorates at the rate these do, is absolutlely ridiculous.

crager1988

I think your right corners were cut somewhere, vehicles are designed to be driven in bad weather conditions. Where I live isn't exactly the rust belt, my problem is I have spent alot of money on the drive train over the years. Now out of nowhere the rocker panels on both sides, cab corners both sides are about gone. The truck runs fine and just disappointed to see such major rust, if the vehicle was never washed or waxed ever it shouldn't look this bad. So disgusted by it the next major repair bill will result in pulling the motor 110k and trans 50k then sending this pile of S--- to the junkyard where it belongs.

OTG02

I've got an 02 no rust anywhere Texas truck BUT I'm moving back home to northeast Ohio in October I'm doin everything I can to keep rust from starting. So should be interesting to see how long before rust starts on mine. It's unavoidable it will happen. Just hope not for a few yrs lol.

crager1988

One more comment then I will quit crying about it. I have noticed that most of these Trucks that do have a bad rust problem also have the side skirt package on them not the tube type (step rail). I couldn't see your side view but before you hit the Salt Belt which Ohio is part of you may want to consider removing them. I think all the damage started by Salt being trapped behind them just like the old 60's & 70's model cars did that had Chrome along the bottom. Those vehicles had a sticker price around $4,000. My 1988 Lariat has every available option with a sticker price of 10,368 still have the sticker. The 1997 4x4 Lariat was 35,000, the top of the line new 4x4 Lariat is around 45,000. When vehicles start to cost as much as low end homes I would just think there has to be a solution !!

OTG02

Thanks for the advice. Luckily. I've got no Step bars or side skirt things. Just Bedlined my rockers behind and front. I agree I don't know what it is about the build or metal type. But I bought a 99 ranger brand new from dealer (in Ohio lived there all my life till 06) but I washed and waxed and underneath and all that and still had the bottom of the doors start rusting and the the cab corners. Rust sucks. Like u stated seems like any Lil crevice salts can get in and sty there. There is rust. Also why I'm taking off the fake vents and fillin in the two holes on the front fenders. Plus the tail gate. Just more places for rust to start. Again thanks for the advice on the sides skirt and step rail.

rbrais

The rockers seem to go. Mine have been re-done.

Sometimes it's a bad design; water and crap collect. Could be welded areas, rivots, etc.

Sometimes you get a bad batch of metal. My friend's father had the same year and model Ranger I had (01). Mine had 150k and his had 60k. His frame rotted completely and mine was fine.

Luck has a lot to do with getting a good truck that does not rot, but keeping it clean, washing out the wheel wells, frame, rockers, and anywhere else that salt, dirt, leaves, etc can collect really helps.