Do I Have a Problem?

I’ve made the regretful decision to go down the road of rust removal and remediation on my ‘05 DC (127k mi). This girls from Louisville, I live in Nashville, she’s been babied her whole life, I’m the 3rd owner but know the previous 2. Mostly highway driven and some boat hauln.
Noticed some possible problems with my front suspension. I’m afraid I know the answer, but is the “wetness” around my ball joints giving me a sign to replace? Seems early considering her history. BTW, if you want to love/HATE (hate is a strong word, I love my DC, don’t tell her I said that, lol) your FGT don’t go poking around underneath her with a screwdriver and wire brush. It makes them feel self conscious and you realize you’ve got a lot of work to do. So y’all see anything else I should have my 15yr old son fix b4 he gets the keys?

 

That upper ball joint looks kinda bad. Take a better look at it and see how the rubber looks.

You said rust remediation. That ain't rust, as a lot of people on here will attest to. It all looks like surface rust which isn't bad.

Everything else seems to be ok. The crossmember below the drivers side cat seems wet compared to the rest. How's the steering rack? Valve covers leaking?

 

I agree with BMF, there's no rust in those pictures. upper BJs yup.. I'd do lower BJs as well. Maybe stabilizer links/bushings. A good service (Timing Belt, Water pump, plugs, Belt.) lubricate the parking brake bell cranks so they don't freeze up. Drive the heck out of it...

 

Your truck looks fine..

 

For peace of mind you can also take your truck to a state inspection station. Here in MD the check list covers about 90 items from suspension to headlights.

 

I’d be looking to replace balljoints on any 2005. Its a wear item

 

Good eye BFM, I changed the VCG the night before but hadn’t cleaned up the old leak.
@N84434, good suggestions, I did the TB a few months ago, and will be doing the stabilizer links soon since the grease fitting snapped off yesterday from me pulling the grease gun off.
I may be overreacting with the rust but after seeing so many other frames with holes rusted through their frame, I don’t want that in my life. It was also a good excuse to get my son, the next owner, under the truck for hours for him to get familiar with her.
Thnx all for the help.

 

If you are looking for preventative measure ideas, as long as you're (or son) are under there, what I would do is apply some penetrating fluid (PB Blaster or my favorite actetone/ATF(50/50)) to bolts and nuts on regular service items. Specifically things you might change out yourself in the next few years. For example, brake components, especially bleeder screws. Same idea in the engine compartment. Might save you some trouble in the future.

I am sure you know about Fluid Film or Woolwax, but if not, check out those products.