all, bought my '04 Disco II in 2012 out of NYC, and relocated it to Georgia, sight unseen. Runs great, looks great inside and out, and I've done general maintenance, thanks to all of you on this board's experiences. However, I've got a flowing oil leak that I need to tend to.

the problem, my frame is rusted. badly. the local shop felt it necessary to call me, stating they're fearful of putting it on a lift due to the rusted frame.

I know I cannot sell it because of this. and I don't intend to. i love the truck.

my question is this. how unsafe is this truck to drive with a rusted frame? I've now a 15-year-old who has his learner's permit, and this was to be his truck. I mean, is there a possibility that driving down the road the frame will just break in half? or, upon a collision, it will completely buckle, causing extreme harm to occupants? i'm a little spooked now, and don't have, of course, money to buy a new frame for it, or to buy another rover to replace it. there are a couple of holes in the frame. rust everywhere, of course.

any information at all from either of you good people is appreciated. I've researched this on these boards, but I've not come up with a question or answer as to safety. I don't want to trash this truck! but, I love my 15-year-old, and want him safe.

many thanks.

 

It all depends on how bad and were the rust is?
If it's in the rear Rovers North sells a replacement section that replaces everything from the mid axle back. It would be worth taking a look at for ideas.This is going to be a pretty common project for anyone keeping a D2.

 

Like Drow said, depends on how much rust and where. No way for us to tell you without pictures. The frames on these trucks are notoriously thin. It is possible to repair almost any frame rust as long as there is enough frame left to weld to. The pre-made rear pieces are very nice, however you can also always have a shop (or if you have the ability, do this yourself) take steel plate, cut to the appropriate size and shape, and box the frame back in. You can do all four sides of each frame rail and if you use thicker steel then it could even be stronger than factory. This actually may be a preventative modification I do at some point.

You can also cut out pieces of the frame and replace them with pieces out of another truck. I've got an '04 I'm still tearing apart. If you need certain sections, I'd be willing to cut them out and ship them relatively cheap (once it's a little warmer). Actually, depending on your location in GA I may even be able to drive them down for the price of a little gas money. I've got a very close friend in Dahlonega that I haven't seen in some time and would very much like to some time soon.

Throw us some pictures and we can help advise you on possible options a lot better. If the frame pieces are something you might be interested in then shoot me a PM, but again they may not even be necessary depending on how bad the rust is.