Underbody rust on used Liberty

Texanav8r · **Posted:** Sun Jun 30, 2013 9:34 pm

Hi All,

I've been looking at Liberties for a few weeks, and finally found one I like... but it seems to have a bit more underbody rust than I'd like (Car is from MN). I know I'd like there to be NO rust whatsoever, but for a 6 year old car, that probably won't happen (except for those old Porsche 944's that used galvanized steel undercarriage panels

These pics aren't of the one I'm looking at right now, but are about the same as the one I'm interested in, and wanted to get y'alls opinion on whether this is something that I should be concerned about. Is this typical, is it something I should be concerned about since I'm looking at putting a lift kit on it shortly after I get it?

wheeee32 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 01, 2013 10:11 am

We can't really give you a confident thumbs up or down without actually looking at it in person. Best bet is to take it to someone with good knowledge of the KJ that can give the vehicle a full look-over. On a side note another Texan that moved to Colorado I see. :jester:

Texanav8r · **Posted:** Mon Jul 01, 2013 8:16 pm

Yeah, Going back and forth between TX and CO right now since I work in TX but am at Grad School at UCDenver... Hopefully I'll make it permanent out here... just not the communist capital of Denver. Maybe Western slope or something :SOMBRERO:

Leeann · **Joined:** Thu Mar 14, 2013 9:19 pm **Posts:** 523

Doesn't look as bad as mine did. Use POR15 on it and all will be fine.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Mon Jul 01, 2013 9:27 pm

The real danger spots for rust are the rear lower control arms

Jeep's done a recall - but only for 'snow' states

there are holes in the arms - water + salt get in and corrodes from the inside out

not sure you can see it.

(only Texas one I've heard of was someone at the coast - probably loading/unloading a boat - and you get the lower arms in the water - doesn't really wash out well)

03CDKJ · **Posted:** Mon Jul 01, 2013 9:27 pm

Look for rust around the Third Brake Light, Below The Third Brake Light In The Window Jam, and Underneath The Metal Lip Of The Rear Fender On the Jeep(when you open the door)

The underneath looks good....

HoosierJeeper · **Joined:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:23 am **Posts:** 1218

The underneath looks good. Just paint it and you'll be good. Actually a lot of the KJ's undercarriage is galvanized.

QuestMan · **Posted:** Sun Jul 07, 2013 12:53 pm

Quote:

The real danger spots for rust are the rear lower control arms

Jeep's done a recall - but only for 'snow' states

I've heard of that recall before, I live in Michigan, but when I asked about it at the dealership, they gave me a blank stare............ :shock

Leeann · **Joined:** Thu Mar 14, 2013 9:19 pm **Posts:** 523

Mine was a Michigan vehicle until February. When I registered on the Jeep Owner's site with the VIN, I got a postcard telling me the about recall (and a big yellow banner on the website).

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sun Jul 07, 2013 3:31 pm

Blank stares don't count see http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f28/2006 ... l-1380257/

As to rust 1) surface rust that rubs off with light application of a wire brush or sand paper is of no real concern; 2) on thicker metal surfaces (ex. frame members) light pitting is ok but if present the surface should be heavily wire brushed/sand blasted if possible and treated with phosphoric acid (I used to buy the stuff by the gallon when restoring old cars and motorcycles) to kill the rust before painting; BUT 3) heavy pitting and/or spalling is to be avoided at all costs as that can cause structural damage which is what happened on those control arms.

Underbody rust on used Liberty

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