Gen 1 Frame Rust Opinions - Considering Purchasing

I’m considering purchasing a 2006 limited with 150K. I’ve walked away from many Gen 1s due to frame issues and this one is the most solid I’ve seen but I still have concerns. Truck has never been north of Virginia. Two points of concern are what looks like a weld where the leaf spring mount is, and also separation of the metal frame layers which causes the rippling since in pics. I hit a large portion of the frame with a hammer and tried to be through. What do you all think? Is this as good as they get or does it just take time to find a frame without issues? I don’t mind maintenance but really want to avoid the need for frame repairs.

 

If the owner can't tell you why those repairs were done, and have a really good damn reason for it, I'd pass.

Actually, I'd pass just because those boogery ass welds are pretty bad, and I can't tell if they properly reinforced things after. And the rippling sections of framerail are concerning also, makes me wonder if it wasn't in some kind of unfortunate event.

Delamination in those reinforced spots is fairly common, as you may've read in our community's pre-purchase readme thread. There are a few spots to watch out for given buried in that thread, in the frame rust section, and that's not the worst delamination I've seen. The black re-spray coating is hiding the extent of it though, which sucks. You can literally see the speckles of overspray onto the underside of the body - they're hiding shit.

Whereabouts are you, which quadrant of the US?

 

This. Painted frame is enough for me to walk away usually, but add some weirdness and it's a nope.

 

I'd pass. I'm sure you worked hard for your money. Don't compromise on an issue like the frame.

 

Please run away fast, that's hiding some real issues.

 

Look at that overspray. Why is this guy hiding rust by painting over it? I'd pass.
I got in a rush to find a vehicle after I wrecked my Jeep and I wish I had taken more time, as inconvenient as it was, to find a Southern vehicle. You won't regret spending the time once you get it.

 

The parts I circled are what really worry me.

 

Spray painted frame and a buckled frame area that may be a result of an accident and a half assed approach to repairing?!?! No thanks

 

Walk away from that mess. If it’s welded to fix a rust repair, chances are there’s more rust than you know and the welds were poorly done.

 

Wow. I’m new to this community and just wanted to express some gratitude. This is a great group. Your replies and the detailed threads I’m pouring through on here are stellar. Thank you. The hunt for a gen 1 continues.

 

Holler if you need a hand! Pics go a long way.

I can't tell you how many people come on here and post pics up, only to find they got burned. That's ultimately why we sat down as a community and tossed together that one big ass thread, then kept adding onto it.