What to Look For

As many have already said... ROT is NOT your friend... that frame needs to be replaced, NOT repaired...

For 4000.00, there are many trucks available... Why not shop in the dry climate areas?

 

OP's friend may not be able to afford shipping cost or fly, and drive Avenue.

 

Can he afford to lose $4,000 on a truck with a frame that's rotted out? Probably not.

 

I'm not saying he should get THIS truck in particular. I'm just saying he might not be able to get one from a clean state.

 

Well said. What happens when:

1: the frame wont pass inspection,
B: the axle blows a hole and leaks,
*: an accident occurs and the frame folds like an origami swan.

Stay far, far away from that truck.

 

Gnar gnar bra. Sometimes if we call on Calgon, it will take you away!

 

I would look for an original owner selling a well maintained rust free low mileage example with a 4.7L V8, I would NOT go to a dealer of any kind.

 

Yes, by all means. That hole just shows how advanced the rust is, that frame is practically swiss cheese.

 

My friend is still looking at it. You can lead a horse to water.. I said my two cents.

 

Well, we'll be waiting for the bad news. That's an entire forum full of very knowledgeable people saying NO, but I know where you're coming from. I used to be that guy...

 

He thinks because the truck interior and body is fairly cherry, and motor it’s worth the risk. I told him if he got in a accident the frame will crumple like cracker. He has another buddy telling him he would be fool not to buy it. He got me on one shoulder and his friend on another. His friend seems to have more Influence than me. I will let you guys know the outcome.

 

Or, he goes into have his truck serviced. They lift the truck and she snaps like a Saltine Cracker in the Mojavé Desért.

 

Too much rust and already shows a hole in the frame, there is a good chance of worse holes that are not in view. I had an 04 sequoia and its frame looked a little like that. It went away shortly after that. Also I bet the brake lines are crap too if the frame is showing that much rust.

 

How could someone not comprehend that "hole in frame"=very bad?

Also, it's not like these trucks are that rare. Find another one...

 

Both situations are seriously NG

 

I sent this photo to my buddy. And said good luck..

 

Look at this rear end. Holy shit. Truck lived in Mass, frame destroyer country.

 

NO! NO NO NO NO! Run TF away!

 

I own a '53 beetle with less rust than that. Holy shit that's horrid. His other friend either isn't a friend or isn't aware of how cars work. That truck shouldn't even be legal to sell.

 

This is a parts rig now for anything above the salt line at least. Fuck a bunch of that.

 

He offering the seller 3K. I gave up.

 

You have done all you can do. All thats left to do is pray if that's your thing.

 

Or if there a true friend, call them a dumb ass and make them buy the next round.

 

Hey, at least you tried to steer him in the right direction. Does he know when the diff cover finally lets go and starts to leak, it has to be cut off and a new one welded on?

 

"Money it tight" so I think I'll buy a rusted out truck that gets 14mpg.

 

Tell your buddy to grow up, take care of his kid first, and buy a used Camry that will run for 300k. He can buy a rusted turd next summer.

 

Well my buddy is not a smart man. He going to buy the truck for 3K. Get this as a kid hauler. WTF! I tired but I was over ridden by another fiend of his. His friend said you are a fool not to buy it. I said you are a fool go buy it.