I found rust on the doors, bubbling and flaking on inside door panels about two years ago, with less than 48,000 miles on this truck. After checking the prices of new door skins, I opted for patching and repainting. While inspecting, body shop found more rust on tailgate area and rear bumper was so bad it needed replacing. Total cost $2,000, which I was willing to pay to keep my little truck for another few years. Well, here it is less than two years later, rust is back on both doors. Shop foreman said as he started grinding the doors, water poured out at the bottom. So conclusion may be water getting in somewhere like window seals. Again, no third party door skins available, and with only 52,000 miles I opted to have refinished a second time. Another $1,000 down the drain. I love the size of the truck and mechanically it’s sound. Anyone know if Ford has recognized the problem. And more to the point, have they corrected on the upcoming 2018-19 model?
Join RangerForum.com Today - It's Totally Free! Are you a Ford Ranger fan? If so we invite you to join our community and see what it has to offer. Our site is specifically designed for you and it's a great place for Ford Ranger Fans to meet online. Once you join you'll be able to post messages, upload pictures of your Ford, and have a great time with other Ranger fans. Whether your an old timer or just bought your Ford you'll find that Ranger Forum is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally free! Join RnagerForum.com Today!
Hello Bradley and welcome to the forum! Rust is a common thing, especially if you live in the North. The body shop should have told you they found water in the doors the first time (surprised you didn't hear it sloshing around). Ford is fully aware of the problem (you can bet on that), but they will not be doing anything about it. As for the 2019 "new" Ranger... that is a completely different design, so it could be better, could be worse.
I've mentioned this before. I have a 2005 Ranger. One day after a hard rain I saw water dripping from the drivers side door. I shook the door and could hear water sloshing around. Upon inspection I noticed a flap or valve made of rubber on the bottom of the door. I messed with it and water pored out. Now when it rains I make sure both door drain through this vlv. I suspect debris gets in the door and clogs the drain. A sad piece of engineering I'll agree but I have no rust in my doors.
Yes, that rubber valve allows water to escape, but keeps anything from going in from the outside (that is, when they work).
