What would you do?

[2k9ram]

Have a 2009 Ram 1500 that I've owned since new. I've Speedlined the rockers, had the rockers, cab corners, etc rust prevented with 3M's Cavity Wax. I had the hood fixed with some bubbling that was occurring in the corners. Also had some bubbling on the passenger front door fixed as well.

It currently has 118k miles on it. I've set it up for towing my camper, aftermarket backup camera, Timber Grove Air Bags, Electric Brake Controller, and Tow Mirrors.

Now my dilemma... I noticed rust starting on the passenger side rear wheel well. I'm not one to cover the issue with Flares, and since it's not bad I'm kicking around the idea of trading it off before it gets bad, or fixing it.

What is everyone's thoughts on replacing a box side? Local shops said in many cases it's better than finding a rust free box. Body shops are saying they will warranty for as long as I own it.

OR...

Is it time to trade off since I will always be chasing my tail with rust?

I'm leaning towards replacement of the box side on both sides. (even though the driver side still looks clean)

 

[Puba08]

IMO I would trade it


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[indept]

It isn't that much rust, can't you have it fixed fairly cheap?

 

[rule18]

Yep, my '08 had the same issue around the wheel wells. You'll probably see it on the other wheel wells too, All my friends with that Gen RAM have the same issue. If the rest of the truck is doing well, and there's no other reason to replace it then find a good box and paint the truck. That said, if it were me, I'd trade it.

 

[2k9ram]

It isn't that much rust, can't you have it fixed fairly cheap?

About $1800 to have a box side replaced which I am being told by multiple shops would be the best fix for it. $1800 doesn't seem too bad to me. When compared to what the new ones are selling for. This RAM has been one of the best trucks I've owned. I've owned it since new and I also have the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty on it. Just took it in for the 10 Year anniversary powertrain inspection. Now whether or not they stand behind that warranty when something goes wrong is a whole other concern of mine.

 

[Pull Ya]

Aren't there some places that just sell the complete box?(kinda like a take off) One of the members was going to look into that for some reason but I never heard what he found out.
Jay

 

[2k9ram]

Aren't there some places that just sell the complete box?(kinda like a take off) One of the members was going to look into that for some reason but I never heard what he found out.
Jay

In talking with the body shops they said a replacement box can be hit and miss. Finding the right color with no damage is tricky. They said often times they will have a dent or two that needs to be replaced and by the time they replace, prep and paint, you're far better off replacing the box side itself.

 

[John Jensen]

Sounds like you like the truck, if so fix it.
Also sounds like you may have an itch for a new one, if so trade it.
Wise thing, especially with a lifetime warranty is fix it.

 

[Purplert]

New trucks gonna cost you more then $1800. Imo fix it, you know the history of your truck, has a powertrain warranty, I wouldn’t let a little rust repair scare you out of it. Now if it was severe I could understand.


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[indept]

About $1800 to have a box side replaced which I am being told by multiple shops would be the best fix for it. $1800 doesn't seem too bad to me. When compared to what the new ones are selling for. This RAM has been one of the best trucks I've owned. I've owned it since new and I also have the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty on it. Just took it in for the 10 Year anniversary powertrain inspection. Now whether or not they stand behind that warranty when something goes wrong is a whole other concern of mine.

OUCH!!
2" of rust cost 1800. Still, not too bad considering you have the PT warranty

 

[Brianj53]

I tend to hold onto my vehicles a bit too long, I have come up with a rule that if maintenance is starting to cost about the same as payments would cost, it’s time to let go. Or if I don’t trust the vehicle anymore. Sounds like you are still comfortably in keep it territory. The new ones are so friggin expensive that payments must be getting to be a big number!

 

[William Hastings]

Fix it, 4th gens have too many lifter/cam, exhaust manifold issues to upgrade too. Its paid for with a lifetime warranty! Theyll probably try to screw u on a trade anyway. Still i nice looking truck, have 2 buddies who ran their 3rd gens for over 200k no issues

 

[Burla]

rust aint **** adds character, that truck has a lot of life left and it is nice not worrying about dents and **** day to day. Plus even with a little cancer that is still a nice ride. run that til it dies and then revivie it, then do it again, and over.

 

[Whitd5]

If you are going to replace it, you could start saving now and let that rust get a lot worse than it is before you actually do the work. It’s not like a mechanical issue that is going to cost more if you put it off. Also, bedsides aren’t as difficult to replace as you may think. Drill out tons of spot welds and pull the side off yourself. Then get some aftermarket fiberglass sides to throw on it and you could create a whole new look for your truck. But now I’m just writing my own wish list lol

 

[NanaW]

You mentioned bubbling I have some under the clear bra can’t tell if the bra or paint is that kind of what you had if so what did it run you to fix Thanks
Laurie


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[2k9ram]

Fix it, 4th gens have too many lifter/cam, exhaust manifold issues to upgrade too. Its paid for with a lifetime warranty! Theyll probably try to screw u on a trade anyway. Still i nice looking truck, have 2 buddies who ran their 3rd gens for over 200k no issues

But the 09 is the first year of the 4th Gens. I've had the dealer fix the exhaust manifold bolts twice already. I am also starting to hear the Hemi knock sometimes it is scary loud on startup.... and NO it's not mainfold tick\knock again. I'm very familiar with that sound, this is lifter\cam this time.

 

[2k9ram]

You mentioned bubbling I have some under the clear bra can’t tell if the bra or paint is that kind of what you had if so what did it run you to fix Thanks
Laurie


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I don't recall exactly what it cost me to fix the hood. At the same time I had my Rocker's sprayed with Speedliner, and 3M's Cavity Wax sprayed in all the well known areas where the cancer attacks first. Everything at that time was around a couple grand.

 

[2k9ram]

If you are going to replace it, you could start saving now and let that rust get a lot worse than it is before you actually do the work. It’s not like a mechanical issue that is going to cost more if you put it off. Also, bedsides aren’t as difficult to replace as you may think. Drill out tons of spot welds and pull the side off yourself. Then get some aftermarket fiberglass sides to throw on it and you could create a whole new look for your truck. But now I’m just writing my own wish list lol

Definitely something I have thought about as well.

 

[William Hastings]

But the 09 is the first year of the 4th Gens. I've had the dealer fix the exhaust manifold bolts twice already. I am also starting to hear the Hemi knock sometimes it is scary loud on startup.... and NO it's not mainfold tick\knock again. I'm very familiar with that sound, this is lifter\cam this time.

My bad i got my years mixed up after reading a couple other posts. U still have the lifetime warranty u spent good money on, and if u kept good records on maintenance and didn't go crazy on mods there shouldn't be any issues on them fixing it. That said, whats an 09 worth, will they pay u out if u do have an engine or trans failure? Versus whats it worth on a trade?

 

[Scott Nugent]

Buy one of the DIY kits from Corrosionfree.com and treat the crap out of it now and then again if you fix it. The undercarriage of my 13 looks new after 6 salt state winters. Treat it every 18 months. Stuff works.