When I bought my 04, the previous owner was very scared of the truck, due to rust on the radiator support, where the chassis mounts to the body. In looking at it, I knew if I had the radiator support replaced, it would be fine. In talking to my mechanic who was a full-time Ford tech previously, he said it is the most common areas for these trucks to rust, and wasn't surprised at all. Sickeningly, he said he would sometimes see them come in 3-4 years old with signs of rust in that one area. Ironically, it is the only rust on the entire truck, other than the expected surface rust on the chassis.
It has gotten marginally worse since these pictures, which were from ~Sept when I bought it. You can push through one of them pretty easily if you try.
I received quotes from $500-$1,100 for the repair, one shop wanting to cut and splice the rusted area rather than replace the entire support. Only problem is, none of them could find an aftermarket support from their suppliers. I ended up going with the only one who would give me a solid quote- $500 plus I supply the support. I found the support on fleabay for $89 shipped, and received it in 3 DAYS!
Going into the shop today, and he should have it until mid next week. Everyone keep your fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.
It has gotten marginally worse since these pictures, which were from ~Sept when I bought it. You can push through one of them pretty easily if you try.
I received quotes from $500-$1,100 for the repair, one shop wanting to cut and splice the rusted area rather than replace the entire support. Only problem is, none of them could find an aftermarket support from their suppliers. I ended up going with the only one who would give me a solid quote- $500 plus I supply the support. I found the support on fleabay for $89 shipped, and received it in 3 DAYS!
Going into the shop today, and he should have it until mid next week. Everyone keep your fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.
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