Rear spring perch/seat rust and deformation looks dangerous? Thoughts on how to fix? (pics)

[Beej]

Hey folks,

I'm slowly working through PM on a new to me '97 with 160k.

Those who are put off by rust, turn back now. First pic shows it the best even if its pretty dark.

rear spring perch rust 1

• Beej
• May 27, 2016

rear spring perch rust 2

• Beej
• May 27, 2016

rear spring perch rust 3

• Beej
• May 27, 2016

rear spring perch rust 4

• Beej
• May 27, 2016

Pics show rusted, seemingly bent up rear spring perches on both sides of the rear axle. I was about to rebuild my rear locker and axle but these spring perches don't look good to me.

Can the perches be repaired? Is this something a body shop can take care of? Would it be more cost effective to get a replacement rear axle?

Seems like kind of a flimsy design but of course rust conquers all so, not complaining, just wondering.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

-- Beej

 

[slow95z]

since you have locked axles i would think a repair is the way to go. unlocked they dont go for much but locked axles are typically 2 grand for a set. you could always find someone with a busted rear axle on the cheap and cut off the mounts to put on yours.

 

[Beej]

Welp, I guess I'll continue working and see about the perches later this summer. Until then, ill put some motor oil on there to try and stop the progress.

Other opinions welcome

 

[joey.w]

Same problem here in Mass Beej. Started out replacing a brake line and ended up fabricating a new perch and sway bar mount du to this cancer we call rust. It was more cost effective and less time consuming for me to weld up my own then to pay a shop to do the fab or axel swap. Pics to come...

 

[Beej]

Awesome. Not about the rust, of course, but now I know there's somebody else fighting this fight and surviving.

Pics welcome.

Did you take the whole axle off? What goes into this job?

 

[JCruse]

Motor oil is good. Used oil is better, Fluid Film is also very good. One 11oz spray can will saturate both perches.

I've been messing around with Corroseal, it converts the rust, turning it black, and then leaves a thick layer of clear primer that's rock hard and ready for paint. You just wire brush and loose rust and brush it on. I used it on a couple of things around the garage and a dime sized rust spot under the door saddle of my 80. It seems to work well, if your perches aren't too far gone already.

 

[Beej]

I'm planning to get under there with an angle grinder sometime before July and see what I can clean up. I was just surprised to see the perches bent up.

The truck still hasn't been to a proper mechanic for a once over. It went through a pre-purchase inspection and a state inspection but no fine tooth comb. I'm making sure I cover my bases from a safety standpoint.

 

[JayhawkFZJ80]

Wondering how your battle with rust is going. Hoping to find a way out of replacing a rusty rear axle. Currently brushing, sanding, using chemicals to convert the rust and spraying over with rust-oleum. Hoping that will hold the line until I save for a full axle replacement. Question is how do you know if that's needed or if our "fix" is enough. My plan is to slowly replace the undercarriage over time bit by bit. Starting with the U-joints this weekend.

 

[Beej]

I bought a new axle housing for $150 from Cruiserparts.net and just swapped it in to replace the rusty one. It was a time consuming job but pretty simple.

 

[JayhawkFZJ80]

thats a good idea. i've bookmarked that site. i was thinking of replacing the whole rear axle which will run $1400. the housing is much cheaper. did you need to replace any of the suspension system? the rear axle housing looks better after using the rust-oleum but for peace of mind might replace parts of the suspension eventually. my rust looks bad on my LC but its mostly superficial i think. nothing has been eaten through completely.

glad to hear this was "simple". i'm a newbie. just downloaded the FSM. going to review that and starting to make contact with a few local LC guys. hoping they'll help me increase my LC IQ. thanks again!

 

[Beej]

I eventually swapped out some suspension but that was unrelated to the axle housing. Good luck!!