Hi Guys - just picked this up this AM.

A 2005 Ranger XLT Supercab, 2dr, 4x4 with 100,497 miles. 4.0, auto - dk green with light tan interior. It's replacing my third vehicle which is a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with 150k on the clock.

I'm a 56 yr old "car guy" and wanted a pickup for my home and car related errands (mainly landscaping & chasing parts for my old GTX), along with it being my winter commuter as I have a newer Hemi Challenger that I'd like to keep garaged when the salt hits the streets.

I'm REAL excited to have this truck!

I've been looking for a while and know all too well about the rust issues with the frames and bodies. This is still fairly clean although there is some bed rot in the front right corner but it's not too bad and I'll probably cut'n weld a new piece in once the good weather comes back and spray in a liner. How do you guys protect the unprotected metal under the truck - frame rails, cross members, etc.

POR-15?
Rust Bullet?
Eastwood Products?

Which has the best bang for the buck?

Thanks in advance for your help and I look forward to being an active member here on the RF!

Merry Christmas!
Dave
Wakefield, MA

 

Welcome to R-F, David! Merry Christmas to you as well! I don't have too much experience dealing with a lot of salt on the roads. But I'd assume that just doing a real good paint job on the frame would help a lot. I'd like to eventually tear my truck down to the frame and get rid of any rust I have.

 

Welcome to R-F!

I know I've seen several people mention on here about using POR-15 on the frame. I personally don't have any experience with it since I don't really have to worry about that sort of thing down here, but I know that seems to be the recommended product around here.

 

I used POR15 a year ago on some rust panels and it seems to be holding up well. I just did a patch on my bed which is more exposed (I did top coat it) so time will tell.

I also just spent some time wire brushing my frame down. I treated with one of those Rust converters and then top coated that with tractor paint. I didn't do POR15 on the frame due to lack of time. If I had my choice I would've done it with POR15. Although it would have taken 3 times as long and cost 4 times has much.