Dodge Ram Van Rust T/F Question

[MotorVation]

I wouldn't buy it without knowing for certain that the front frame horns are rust free. I have an '02 Dodge and this week I will be pulling the power steering gearbox from where it attaches to the frame. The rust isn't bad on mine but there is some surface rust. I'm going to grind/wire wheel the rust off and use rust converter on it, then paint it.

I have to pull the gearbox to to the bearing pre-load adjustment. If there's no adjustment left I'm going to buy another box from Red Head or have them rebuild mine. I'll be killing two birds with one stone.

If it's rusty, don't buy it. The bolts to the gearbox or idler arm can literally pull right through the frame

 

[highdesertranger]

rust is like an iceberg, only 10% is visible. from what is visible it looks real bad, I find it hard to believe the frame horns are in good shape. highdesertranger

 

[Prnitz]

I have a 99 ram van conversion 1500. Very low miles like 55000. Like many others it is very Rusty on the frame. We fixed the stuff around the steering in the front successfully, but on the rear of the frame there is really bad rust. My question is is it possible to get an entirely new frame for these vehicles? Or being a unibody is it possible to cut out whole sections and section in New pieces? Obviously I hate to junk a van with this much life still in it mechanically

 

[highdesertranger]

for a rusted out unibody there is nothing you can do, except buy another van and transfer all the good stuff. how did you "successfully" fix around the steering box. just reading that gives me the chills. highdesertranger