Front Differential Rust

Seems pretty bad to me. 17' 34K on it and the front differential looks a little haggard. It is New England after all. This happening to a lot of trucks this soon?

I am crossing my fingers that this thing did not get too hot. I don't believe it di because of the entire thing all the casting looks the same. I am getting that slight scrapping noise though that comes and goes so needle bearing is comming up soon.

I already went through a T-case replacement recommended by Toyota (would not cover under warranty b/c of abuse previous owner).

Here are some pictures.

 

That does look excessive no doubt but looks just surface rust, not structural. Fluid Film is a must for New England.

Lol looks like the brand new Silverados on the dealer lots.

 

Yikes thats rusty. Mine has no rust at all, granted its a year newer. I fluid filmed the whole underside to prevent as much rust as possible. I would definitely try to de-rust the bolts and stuff if you plan on keeping the truck long term.

 

Yeah I am going through it this spring and por-15 the troubled spots then fluid film in fall.

 

It looks to be surface rust though for 2 years old seems excessive. I would try wire wheels a hand brush to remove the rust. Then use Ospho to treat the same areas , rust-oleum primer, Eastwood extreme chasis black and then fluid film. Eastwood also makes an internal frame protector spray with the appropriate nozzle that you stick in frame holes.

I do this every spring and fall it actually gets easier years later because you won't have as much rust to deal with because of the above steps. I would only do this procedure if you plan on keeping your truck for a long time. My .02 c

Rust never sleeps Neil Young

 

Its better to burn out than it is to rust

 

Paint that shit up. Good luck with your truck.

 

Lessons I’m learning should I ever return to live in a “rust belt” state:

1 - only buy new
2 - sell after four years
3 - repeat

 

planning to once the weather gets decent to get under mine, and have at it with the wire wheel.. some rust converter spray, and for the raw steel going with some zinc paint. maybe see if the local marine supply shops have a small sacrificial Zinc anode I can attach to the frame, and other bits.. I've seen the bins of them, and believe they may have something that will work..

 

Anodes will not work...
http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/homework/s95524.htm

 

what about on of those anti static metal/ rubber strips to complete the ground circuit? lol..

I was just thinking about the zinc anode not working due to just hanging out in air.. its been a LONG day... lol. I'll probably just spray it all with rust converter on the frame, top coat with some marine grade zinc paint (like POR-15 but cheaper). the zinc coating, as long as it is nearly complete will stop the rust, just have to check it periodically like you should any vehicle...

 

OP said it best!

G.

 

No undercoating around here with the white stuff they spray on roads is a killer. I can wipe the fluid film off mine to a shiny black bottom. It’s a must or rust!!

 

That vehicle has been in salt water... good luck with that!