ok i found a 2001 f150 lariat 7700 4x4 ext cab for sale by me and i went to look at it once. the running boards are rusted out along with the trailer hitch receiver. its got a brand new exhaust. so i think it rusted out and was replaced, but the there isnt rust anywhere else. nothing was painted over to hide any other rust that i can see and i cant find rust anywhere else. should i be worried about this? what are some other areas i should look at to make sure the rest of the frame is in good shape?

 

I'd crawl up under and check everywhere, they were made to be work trucks so not a lot were maintained like you would see a normal truck when it came to washing anything that could cause rust off. Check the bottom of the doors for rust too, like underneath them when you have them open.

 

back of the bumpers is a common rust spot as well

but definitely check the pinch weld and drain along the inside bottom lip of the doors.

Also look at the side back corners of the cab (from underneath)

 

And if the bed has one of those drop in liners, definitely check underneath that. And Patman at least you knew what I was trying to say haha, I couldn't think of what it was called.

 

I got your back

 

Meh, I'd run away from a vehicle that had rust (unless you plan to use it as a snow plow/work truck).