Are replaced frames inherently better?

Hey there- back with more questions as I search for a truck.

Did the recall replacement frames fix the issue that caused them to be so vulnerable to rust in the first place, or did they just swap out the bad frames for new ones? Are there good ways to prevent rust on a frame that is so far solid?

Practically- I’m looking at two trucks right now, one has 160k on the clock, and has the original frame. The frame looks great in photos, but the guy selling it doesn’t have service records and doesn’t know the maintenance history, so I’d probably end up doing the timing belt and LBJs right away. It’s the cooler looking of the two.

The other has 80k on it, a replaced frame, and lots of records (including a recent timing belt, LBJs and radiator). It’s more expensive, but I wouldn’t need to put any money into it immediately. They’re both a fairly significant drive from me (it would take a day to go look at either one). The 160k one seemed like a great option, until this lower mileage, maybe better maintained one popped up, and now I’m torn.

Any sage advice? Am I nuts to not spend a couple extra grand for a truck with a replaced frame and half the mileage? Is the replaced frame and low mileage somehow suspicious or indicating something’s off? Any thoughts super appreciated!

 

Common issues in frame replacement are all the other stuff that didn't get replaced; maybe your frame-replaced one just got a good dealership who played ball for the prior owner and the other components weren't in too bad of shape. To me, something that was ever rusted enough to get a frame replacement would make me think of all the other stuff that wasn't/needs to be replaced.

I vote for the truck with 160,000.

 

Oddly enough, based on mileage alone, 160K is better than 80K on these trucks given their age. 80K often means a lot of very short trips, which is no good for an engine.
As for the frame replacement, it's all the stuff they did NOT replace that will bite you down the road when you come to do any work on it. If the frame rusted bad enough to replace, chances are good many/most of the fasteners are rusted in place.

I'd go for the 160k myself and do the maintenance items. Did on mine (purchased at 149k)

ETA - for the one that has the service history, be sure to verify it if you go that direction.

 

No. Frames are the same. No improvement, just a “do over” where you should take better care of it.

For the 80k replaced frame, ask for pics of the rear differential and pickup bed floor. Two important areas of concern. The pickup bed can develop holes in it underneath any liner since it rusts underneath and up into the bed. You also don’t want a leaking differential or you may have to source one from a salvage yard.

 

What Jack said.