Too rusty?

[BigMF]

I know there are a ton of posts about rust on here. However, they lack any way for me to quantitatively determine if I have a serious issue or not. I was poking around under my truck today and familiarizing myself with the frame and AHC system in preparation for installing my new Metal Tech sliders and noticed some rust. On a 2011 that has lived most it's life in northern Kentucky (almost Ohio/rust-belt ), I'm not surprised.

The picture below is near the rear of the AHC system and I've removed a couple of bolts (one that held the protection rail, and one that holds the AHC component). I'm not too concerned about the main body of the frame because it looks solid and rust free for the most part. The welds, however show some flaking and rust. How concerned should I be over this kind of corrosion? Do I need to start slathering on the rust neutralizer and then Fluid Film/Woolwax the whole undercarriage....or.....is it not that bad as long as I start doing some preventative maintenance now and apply aforementioned coatings?

 

[grinchy]

It’s not much different than my 2009 Texas model.
I found if you go mudding the rust disappears.

Edit add a better pic

 

[afgman786]

It's done for. You should get rid of it, I'll take it from you for pennies on the dollar

Looks like surface rust. Wire wheel, rust inhibitor and some paint of your choice. Fluid Film is easy to apply and I think it's worth it for a car you plan to keep long term.

 

[04UZJ100]

It's done for. You should get rid of it, I'll take it from you for pennies on the dollar

Looks like surface rust. Wire wheel, rust inhibitor and some paint of your choice. Fluid Film is easy to apply and I think it's worth it for a car you plan to keep long term.

Don’t even need to paint if you’re gonna fluid film. Wash it and spray FF. Done.

 

[afgman786]

Don’t even need to paint if you’re gonna fluid film. Wash it and spray FF. Done.

I go over kill.. Rusted out my 80, so I'm making up for it with the 200 by being overly safe.
I wire wheel my surface rust down and spray with Rustoleum, apply FF once a year around October. After every wheeling trip spend a decent amount of time pressure washing the under carriage because mud is my ultimate enemy now.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I was expecting to open this thread and see some hardcore rust porn. But that doesn't look bad at all.

If it were me, I'd clean it up with a wire brush, shoot some semi-gloss Rustoleum on it, and do the whole underneath with Fluid Film. Then you're all done for a very long time.

 

[nwfl4runner]

Look at the AHC lines that cross underneath the body just in front of the rear axle. That is where I have read people see rust failure on AHC stuff

 

[BigMF]

I was expecting to open this thread and see some hardcore rust porn. But that doesn't look bad at all.

Sorry to disappoint you with my G-rated rust images.

Look at the AHC lines that cross underneath the body just in front of the rear axle. That is where I have read people see rust failure on AHC stuff

Will do!

Thanks, everyone. I feel much better now. However, I guess this means that I need to delay my slider install just a little longer to make sure and treat the existing rust properly before I bolt some things over it and can't access it later. Dang!

 

[iwashmycar]

Yeah Im disappointed too. Being from Ohio those rust threads where it really is bad help me feel better lol.

That said, you're totally fine. I would start Fluid Filming it twice a year (at first, then once) and enjoy!.