Rust, 4 wheel drive, snow?

[snyder66]

I originally started out looking for a 4 wheel drive in this age range...Well, I'm having some issues finding the truck I want. I originally planned on running this future truck in the winter as well. I live in the Northeast. Will rust eventually destroy my truck? Should I consider just getting a 2 wheel drive and sitting it for the winter? Looking for advice. Thanks

[GmtGmt]

undercoated it and wash it alot in the winter time and you show be fine

[old Rusty C10]

i live in areas surrounding you NYC, Parlin NJ and Deposit NY.. the issue is not the rust its the salt on the roads. You can get a truck and repair the rust and then properly undercoat it and keep up on chassis baths etc and youll minimize the rust but unless youre living in a warm dry climate, you wont ever avoid rust

[chevymotocross]

As stated, preventative steps such as undercoating and washing the salt off is really all you can do to prevent rust from appearing quickly, other than just not driving it at all during the crappy weather.

Notice I said as QUICKLY though.... eventually rust will appear regardless since this region and this era of trucks/cars don't mix.

[PRattenbury]

Yep, trucks in this year range were known to rust to pieces spontaneously up north. I was 12 in 1973, and I lived near Boston, Ma. I watched them disappear before my very eyes. My family had a 78 short stepper 4WD. It was in the body shop every 3 or 4 years for fenders, inner fenders, rockers, floor pans, rear fenders, hoods, you name it. Finally had to shoot it.

[donut]

When I was a kid in Maine, the joke was that the truck was shot by the time it was paid off. My sig line is true. My truck was slated for the scrapyard if the PO got the plow gear sold off.

Up there, 2wd seemed to be a rarity. I think most people figured once they rotted out get rid of them. Seems everybody had a 4x4 in the back with issues they were going to fix someday.

[GM72K10]

If you're looking for a square body with no rust Find a CUCV. Some of them never left the base or were over seas (mine was in Kuwait) Granted they are bare bones
but they're ALL four wheel drive.

[snyder66]

Aren't they geared a bit low for everyday use?

[GM72K10]

Originally Posted by snyder66

Aren't they geared a bit low for everyday use?

Depends on how far you're going. I have a son that drives one to school everyday . . .

[chevymotocross]

I'd love to have a CUCV with a 700r4 or NV4500 swap if possible.

[liftlawssuck]

That is exactly why I don't drive mine anymore in the winter. I live in Mass and the salt is brutal. I am in the the process of redoing my truck for the 3rd time right now. Each time it was down to the frame. This is the last time. The way I look at it is if you care about the truck. Don't drive it in the winter. I would love to plow with mine again, or any of that year, as they will out plow any new truck hands down. But I just can't bring myself to knowingly destroy a truck so slowly.

[Hottrucks]

I spray my DD plow truck with a mix of parafin wax ( from the supermarket heated in a crock pot) and hydralic oil.....it has done a very good job of fighting the rust bunnies in the spring I was it with a steam jenny and it all comes off for summer....any little spots that they may have creeped into I get after.....its cheap and since I dont have $52000 for a new diesal 3/4 ton this one is going to have to last...so far ( its an 04) its in really good shape...it will get a touch up on the bottom of the front fenders but its cheaper than another payment