I picked up my new to me ford ranger. The body is in great shape with no rust on it but underneath its pretty bad. It passed a safety and I only needed to get the ball joints done. Just wondering how much life I can expect out of a truck that's pretty rusty underneath but has nothing on the body?

 

well is it surface rust or can you poke your finger into the cab? i mean mine is rusty and flaky underneath but there is good metal there.

 

Its mostly surface but it is flaky, looks like there is some good size flakes. There's definitely no fingers going through anything. My concern is I'd like to get 4 or 5 years out of the truck.

 

Well sand everything down then throw some paint under there.

 

Really? Your in Ontario, My truck is 10 years old, underneath there is not a spec of paint left for rust but the body is almost perfect. Don't worry about it, its natural here, just drive it.

 

Do the screwdriver test, Every year or so, take a screwdriver and poke the important spots under your truck with a screwdriver, if it sticks then fix it. if not, don't worry about it

 

I would sand and paint the areas that are most concerning.

 

I get a 3lb drilling hammer when testing frames. A few good whacks in one spot, no dent=good to go.

 

I think he is talking just underbody. not frame.