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plug or not to plug frame tubes?

Waffle34

By Waffle34
in Modifications & Accessories

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Waffle34 Enthusiast

Waffle34

Posted
Posted

i plan to keep this truck as long as possible(20+ years) and within a month of buying it new i had it undercoated with the wax/oil based stuff (no ziebart tar) and keeping ti clean as hell waxed and plastic protectant to keep it from getting faded. I will follow the book to the T when it says to replace stuff and change fluids (i change oil at around 20% life left)

 

anyways something i bought for it came with 4 caps that are supposed to plug the 2 tube crossmembers around the rear axle. Should i use them? One hand i see them keeping most of the water salt spray out of the tubes, other hand i see them trapping moisture in the tubes causing them to rust out worse than if they were open and allowed to dry out.

 

Thoughts?

Bash74 Enthusiast

Bash74

Posted
Posted

I plugged mine. I also shoved some desiccant bags into the tubes and then I just pull them out and check them and if need be dry them out, which has not been often.

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Lsgun1 Enthusiast

Lsgun1

Posted
Posted

There is a small hole on the bottom of the tube of the rear frame but I agree blocking them seems like it would cause moisture to stay trapped longer at least. Just put a hose (not pressure washer) to the tubes every once and a while to rinse any debris out.

rkj__ Enthusiast

rkj__

Posted
Posted

I would ensure the tube is vented and has a low point drain. 

SSchup Enthusiast

SSchup

Posted
Posted

I sprayed Fluid Film in the tubes before plugging them.

  • 1 month later...
chris-i Enthusiast

chris-i

Posted
Posted

My undercoating guy recommended me to put them in. When he sprays the truck he removes the plugs and cleans/resprays then puts us back in.

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