Hello

Picked up a 2008 XLT 4x4 earlier this year and have been spending time making small repairs and trying to get the truck in good shape to prolong its longevity.
This truck was purchased in NJ, and I just took it to have the undercarriage descaled and to get a fluid film application here in PA.

At the front of the truck, where the lower control arms are mounted - there is significant corrosion. I'd like to get this taken care of immediately, but before I start inquiring at shops -- I wanted to see if I could source this part online or at a local junkyard.

Can anyone help me ID this? I've searched for cross member support, control arm support, etc. No luck.

Also wondering if anyone has experienced making a repair on this, and if this is a bolt on piece or if this will need to be cut off and welded.

Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you!


On the left, looking towards front of the truck

same issue on right.

 

Thats part of the frame and the only why to repair it is to swap out the frame for a non rusted one.

 

Thank you, RoseBud68 -- a frame replacement is not necessarily in the cards at the present moment, though I will price this out for sure. The rest of the frame is in surprisingly good shape.

Has anyone repaired this without a full frame replacement?

 

Hope your not driving that on the road....That is an accidented witting to happen for sure.

 

If you have rust there, you likely have serious rust elsewhere. Grab a screwdriver and start poking at the frame all the way to the rear.

 

Thanks Forzilla80. I just had the whole truck descaled and had fluid film applied to try and get ahead on any other rust issues.
This was the only area that was problematic except the spare tire support (which I've had the spare tire off for a bit of time now and don't intend to put it back on).

 

The spare tire support squares up the rear section of the frame. Any corrosion in that area may quickly turn severe from even normal driving and may cause the rear frame rails to shift. Don't forget that the rear leaf spring shackles are back there, and any movement in the frame rails will transfer to the leaf springs and the driveline. Depending on how bad the rust in the spare tire support is, this truck may already be unsafe to drive. Fluid film does not help the structural integrity of steel.

 

Thank you Fordzilla80.
The corrosion on the spare tire support is minimal, but any amount is enough for me to not have the spare tired being supported there on the road. The bulk of the cross bracing is in tact, I'd say 85%.
The truck is going to be parked/stationary until I have an action plan and this is all resolved.
I also acknowledge that fluid film is not applied to help with structural integrity. Only mentioned this as a point of reference in my desires to preserve the truck.

I appreciate the help. If anyone has any experience with shops in the Philadelphia, PA area that they've had experience with doing frame swaps - I would gladly welcome them.

 

It would be cheaper to buy and ship this truck than to pay a shop to replace the frame on yours
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

 

What did you end up doing? I have a ranger with the same issue.

 

@rowley215@gmail.com

I spent $2600 on having it repaired by a welder in Paulsboro. If I were you, I would find a way to part with the truck.
I was stubborn, but ultimately regret spending the money. Took them 6 months too.

There is a place up near the Poconos that may be slightly cheaper (Metal Craft), but I would recommend finding a new front frame or parting with the truck. Just my two cents.

 

ughhh… man. Are you still driving the truck?

Ive had the truck for a week and i got duped:/ Only reason i found out is by getting an oil change today. the mechanic pointed it out to me. I too am from jersey- lacey township.

Have to think about it. But probably will sell

 

After I got the truck back with the repair done, I sold it -- took photos of all the issues and was completely transparent in the ad and in person with the buyer. I ended up putting the money towards a used certified '23 supercab.
It's not the same and I get so jealous when I see old rangers, but the safety and piece of mind knowing I won't have a rust issue for a long time is helpful.

I understand the feeling of being duped -- I had only had the truck for 9 months - it passed inspection and I only found out about the issue after getting it descaled at a Fluid Film coating place. Ultimately, that area is so hidden -- if there is road gunk on it and the control arms haven't been changed, or you don't know to look in that specific spot it's very tough to catch.

There are very few places that will do this kind of repair. I'm not sure how bad your is, but I didn't feel comfortable driving mine on the highway in the condition it was in. If only for the safety of others.

You never know -- there may be someone looking for a parts truck or someone who is willing to do a full restoration.