Is it worth fixing or just sell it?

Tiny
HEATHER LAPLANTE
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 143,000 MILES
While replacing front and rear brakes and having to beat the hell out of some parts to get them off from rust I noticed under the whole truck the extend of the rust which is more so bad and needing to replace some rear suspension parts. I may be needing more than that. So, I want to know since I have to do all the repairs myself and this will be my first time so I'll be YouTubing videos and I'm on a fixed income is it worth repairing it or should I sell it?
Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 AT 8:19 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Hi Heather, that's a tough question to answer. I live in PA and when it snows, they treat the roads which breeds rust.

As far as your truck is concerned, I would have to see the areas of concern. If possible, take a few pics and upload them for me to see.

Also, just FYI, if you are in an area like mine, check the frame closely below the doors on both sides of the vehicle. They have been known to rust through, if that is the case, I wouldn't want to fix it unless the rest of it is in great shape. Make sure to check the frame all over as well. Take a hammer and tap on the frame if you feel there is a concern.

Let me know if you can get the pics. Suspension parts commonly rust so don't panic yet. LOL

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 AT 9:39 PM
Tiny
HEATHER LAPLANTE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
These are what I could get as it's late and started down pouring. I noticed that the cross member holding the spare tire has holes in it and looks shredded.
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Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 AT 10:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Hi,

The first pic of the differential is nothing to be concerned about at this point. I'm surprised to see the shocks, but they are cheap to replace. The other pics are difficult to tell how bad things are. When the rain stops, take a few pics of the frame from the side, specifically below the door.

Is the rest of the truck in good condition? Has it been a dependable vehicle? With truck prices the way they are now, it may be difficult to replace this.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, October 24th, 2022 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
HEATHER LAPLANTE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The truck has been great up until, now there wasn't an issue until the front brake pad fell out while driving over a month ago and that's when replaced all front and rear brakes and components and then now all this. Maybe these will help.
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Monday, October 24th, 2022 AT 10:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Hi,

From what you recorded; I don't see any immediate issues. However, the frame is more likely to rust through the sides. If you go over the frame and it appears to be solid, you are likely better off repairing it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
HEATHER LAPLANTE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. I finally had someone come take a look at it and told me it's in good shape and what I needed to fix.
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Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 AT 5:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Heather,

You are very welcome. I'm glad to know it is an easy fix. There is nothing I would like less than trying to find a new truck at this time. You would end up paying new truck prices for vehicles with 80,000 miles on them. Ugh! I hope things change soon.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome.

Joe
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Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 AT 6:30 PM
Tiny
HEATHER LAPLANTE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you so much.
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Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 AT 6:46 PM

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