?? regarding frame hole plugs.....

[Ramblin Fever]

When I first bought my Rodeo 10yrs ago, in the glove box was a bag of rectangle like shaped plugs, don't remember how many exactly. Dealer said they were plugs for the (IIRC) drain holes in the box frame, but that I didn't need to use them with living in the desert.

Well, a few months before moving to Colorado, the truck went to the dealer for a new range mode sensor covered under warranty, during that time, they mentioned since the truck was going to Colorado, with winter seasons, that they took initiave to insert those frame plugs to prevent elements from getting inside the frame rails.

It's finally dawning on me 6yrs later, are those frame plugs a GOOD thing, or should I take them out?

When taking a peek at the Isuzu Planet and other owners with their undercarriage rust issues, I have VERY little in comparison, but the Rodeo took quite a bruising from this past winter, there's more rust under there then I remember last year.

I don't want a repeat in this truck of what we went through with our late Yota where everything rusted through

[Gizmo42]

I dont think mine has plugs in the drain holes of the frame. And it started life in illinois/wisconsin. I think the elements are going to get in no matter what but will have a harder time getting out with the holes plugged. Only time I would think they would be good is if you are going mudding to keep some of it out.

[Dober89]

My truck has the plugs in the frame. I dont really know what difference they make other than keeping some of the elements out. I know that when I got my truck oil sprayed they drill hills in rust prone areas and put rubber plugs in the holes to keep the oil in there.

We get our vehicles done once a year and it makes a big difference. I dont know what options you have down there but if there is a Carwell shop close by I would check them out. I think thats what its called anyways.

[Ramblin Fever]

Dober89 - can you explain a little further, what exactly is it that you have done every year?

What does it cost?

Thanks!

[Dober89]

Well the first time they do it, they drill small holes in certain areas like under the doors and in the rocker panels. You cant see the plugs normally though you have to get down and open doors and look for them.

Once they have the holes, they spray an oil type product in them and it sticks to the metal. Basically its a rust inhibitor and it repels water so if you have a rust spot thats breaking paint off, this spray will work its way under to where the water is and prevent water from getting into that spot.

It wont stop rust completely but it certainly slows it down and helps prevent rust from eating away other areas.

Since my trucks been done every year since I got it, they take the plugs back out and spray the areas with the product again and replace them. I think it costs anywhere from 100-130 depending on where you go and which shop. Thats Canadian dollars too though.

Heres a link to a shop up here. Theres a bit more info about the product they use and whats involved.

http://www.londonkrownsouth.com/index.html

You can also get small spray cans that I always use to spray certain areas on my truck in between the times I go to the shop and have it sprayed. Its also good for electrical connections so you can pretty much spray it on anything.