Is this a Death Sentence (frame rust)

[Daan1998]

Thank you everyone for all your responses. I already have patch panels for the body but haven’t had the time to actually weld them on (it’s hard to when it’s parked at The Mrs’ work) I’m willing to try to patch a frame but didn’t know if there was any point if it will just break again.
Maybe it’s just because of where I live, but every truck I look at is either ridiculously overpriced or just as many miles (and full of holes) as mine is. I just can’t justify paying $75k for a vehicle big enough to fit my family in AND pull a camper. I’ve modified this one to be able to pull our trailer with ease and mechanically it’s fine so I don’t want to buy something else and have to go through all the work again just to get where I already am now. I can say our other two camping friends we go with regularly, one has a Silverado he’s easily spent north of $100k on, and the other blew up a new F150 and then blew up a used f250 in the last couple years so I REALLY don’t want a new vehicle. Mine has been terrific otherwise.

 

[swathdiver]

Thank you everyone for all your responses. I already have patch panels for the body but haven’t had the time to actually weld them on (it’s hard to when it’s parked at The Mrs’ work) I’m willing to try to patch a frame but didn’t know if there was any point if it will just break again.
Maybe it’s just because of where I live, but every truck I look at is either ridiculously overpriced or just as many miles (and full of holes) as mine is. I just can’t justify paying $75k for a vehicle big enough to fit my family in AND pull a camper. I’ve modified this one to be able to pull our trailer with ease and mechanically it’s fine so I don’t want to buy something else and have to go through all the work again just to get where I already am now. I can say our other two camping friends we go with regularly, one has a Silverado he’s easily spent north of $100k on, and the other blew up a new F150 and then blew up a used f250 in the last couple years so I REALLY don’t want a new vehicle. Mine has been terrific otherwise.

Frame swap or get a newer Yukon XL, the 2012 through 2014s have improved towing features and of course the 6-speed transmission which would make towing easier. If you consider a replacement, search outside of town, somewhere not in the rust belt where they salt the roads. We flew and or drove across these United States to get our three, exactly as we wanted them.

 

[vcode]

First, being from Wisconsin, you won't find a nice truck from that era that hasn't come from down south. If miles don't bother you I gotta think $10K can get you something nice. Second, you think that is the only bad area. Judging from the pictures I doubt it. Were you able to check the top of the frame? Bet it is not a pretty picture....

 

[latvius]

If you patch (fix, make new, whatever term works) then why would it break again? With rust you will need to cut out the frame until you get to good metal that you can weld to. It will be a pain if the body is on but it can be done. You can also go get a quote to have it done somewhere, it won't be cheap but it won't be 10k.

 

[vcode]

If you patch (fix, make new, whatever term works) then why would it break again? With rust you will need to cut out the frame until you get to good metal that you can weld to. It will be a pain if the body is on but it can be done. You can also go get a quote to have it done somewhere, it won't be cheap but it won't be 10k.

Just curious, how do you weld the top of the frame with the body on?

 

[latvius]

Depends if it is boxed or a C shape. Boxed I would put it in using two parts, like 2 U shapes one upside down so you can weld from the bottom. That said I am not a welder I am guy with a welder. You want the frame with a good weld. You could talk to a portable certified welder get their advice then do all the prep work and have them come out and weld it.

 

[GMCChevy]

There is a terrible rust proofing company in my area called Ziebart. My friend had a lifetime rust warranty from them and when his frame rusted thru at the leaf spring attachment they sent him to a shop that welded the frame. And that shop did a pretty good job. Probably had a lot of practice. . So in your area there may be a similar shop. If you can’t find one check with your local poor rust proofing companies and they can probably hook you up.

Ziebart works great IF its applied when the vehicle is new and the annual inspections are done by someone competent.
The problem with it is that just like Every other hard undercoating and POR15 too that if it's put on after rust has started or over any dirt or its not regularly checked and touched up it traps water and condensation and causes worse rust then if it was never applied to begin with. You usually end up with flat areas that are perfect and brand new looking underneath it and other areas where it's major rust.

 

[justchecking]

Ziebart works great IF its applied when the vehicle is new and the annual inspections are done by someone competent.
The problem with it is that just like Every other hard undercoating and POR15 too that if it's put on after rust has started or over any dirt or its not regularly checked and touched up it traps water and condensation and causes worse rust then if it was never applied to begin with. You usually end up with flat areas that are perfect and brand new looking underneath it and other areas where it's major rust.

I told them to stop spraying my plastic wheel well liners and spray metal than can rust. They got mad.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I told them to stop spraying my plastic wheel well liners and spray metal than can rust. They got mad.

I see nothing wrong with that request.

 

[Sir_Hiro]

Thank you everyone for all your responses. I already have patch panels for the body but haven’t had the time to actually weld them on (it’s hard to when it’s parked at The Mrs’ work) I’m willing to try to patch a frame but didn’t know if there was any point if it will just break again.
Maybe it’s just because of where I live, but every truck I look at is either ridiculously overpriced or just as many miles (and full of holes) as mine is. I just can’t justify paying $75k for a vehicle big enough to fit my family in AND pull a camper. I’ve modified this one to be able to pull our trailer with ease and mechanically it’s fine so I don’t want to buy something else and have to go through all the work again just to get where I already am now. I can say our other two camping friends we go with regularly, one has a Silverado he’s easily spent north of $100k on, and the other blew up a new F150 and then blew up a used f250 in the last couple years so I REALLY don’t want a new vehicle. Mine has been terrific otherwise.

Shouldnt have to pay 75K for a family hauler.
They made plenty of these body style SUVs. Lots are dirt cheap if you are patient and could be a better replacement than a patched frame. I personally wouldnt tow with a patched frame. If its soft in one spot..it'll be soft in another spot. I've watched my buddy hook up his trailer to his rusty farm truck and the whole hitch just breaking off the back. Imagine that on the highway? Nah..I'll buy another towpig

 

[vcode]

Shouldnt have to pay 75K for a family hauler.
They made plenty of these body style SUVs. Lots are dirt cheap if you are patient and could be a better replacement than a patched frame. I personally wouldnt tow with a patched frame. If its soft in one spot..it'll be soft in another spot. I've watched my buddy hook up his trailer to his rusty farm truck and the whole hitch just breaking off the back. Imagine that on the highway? Nah..I'll buy another towpig

My friend had a Saturn Vue, Outside looked good but the subrames were rusted out, as he found out when he crossed some RR tracks, Front frame went one way and the rest of the car another.....