The rear stabilizer bar is welded onto the frame and holds the tire in place from floating forward and backward. The frame became so rusted around this, that the entire section of the frame broke off. The truck served around the road as it was a "loose" tire. I'm still unsure if it is fixable, or whether I'm just going to junk the truck for parts. The engine, body, and interior are all in great condition, its just the frame that is in terrible shape. I noticed other complaints regarding this same problem in the 1998 model. May be worth checking out that models complaints as they have more details then I have written.
The rear stabilizer bar is welded onto the frame and holds the tire in place from floating forward and backward. The frame became so rusted around this, that the entire section of the frame broke off. The truck served around the road as it was a "loose" tire. I'm still unsure if it is fixable, or whether I'm just going to junk the truck for parts. The engine, body, and interior are all in great condition, its just the frame that is in terrible shape. I noticed other complaints regarding this same problem in the 1998 model. May be worth checking out that models complaints as they have more details then I have written.
- Bj T., Cedar Rapids, IA, US