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RAM Truck Rust Check

RAM trucks have large frames and long wheelbases, which means more undercarriage surface area to protect. We apply the full two-step Rust Check process (also searched as RAM rust proofing or truck rust proofing) to all RAM configurations: penetrating drip formula into the cab and door cavities, Coat & Protect oil undercoat on the frame rails, crossmembers, and suspension. Undercoat is included at no extra charge.

RAM trucks have large, complex frames with numerous cavities that accumulate salt and moisture over an Ontario winter. The coil-spring rear suspension used on RAM 1500 models has more exposed components than a conventional leaf spring setup, making the undercoat step particularly important. On RAM 2500 and 3500 models used for heavy towing and payload work, the frame and suspension see additional stress that makes corrosion protection critical to long-term structural integrity. The Rust Check oil formula reaches every hidden cavity through factory holes or small access holes, and the Coat & Protect covers all exposed metal underneath. Annual treatment in fall is the most effective protection strategy.

RAM truck Rust Check from $180 (regular cab) to $200 (dually). Undercoat included.

RAM 1500 Frame Rust on Older Generations

There is a documented frame-rust pattern on certain older RAM 1500 generations (notably 2002-2008 and parts of the 2009-2018 DS/DJ generation depending on production region). Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) issued recalls on safety-critical components like steering linkage and tie-rods affected by frame rust. We are not raising this to disparage RAM. We raise it because if you own a RAM 1500 from one of these generations and you are in Ontario, the frame is one of the highest-priority Rust Check targets on your vehicle. Annual oil-based Step 2 Coat & Protect on the frame rails and crossmembers is the most cost-effective way to slow further rust progression on a vehicle that has already seen some exposure. Newer RAM 1500 generations (DT, 2019+) have improved corrosion resistance, but Ontario road salt still corrodes any frame metal regardless of model year.

Why RAM Brake-Line Rust Is a Higher-Frequency Issue Than On Other Trucks

RAM 1500 and HD models have brake lines routed in positions that get heavy salt-spray exposure, and the steel used in some generation brake lines has been a documented brake-line failure source on older RAMs. Brake-line rust is a safety issue, not a cosmetic one: a rusted-through brake line means brake fluid loss and degraded stopping performance. Step 2 Coat & Protect covers the brake lines at the same time as the frame, suspension, and exhaust hangers. Annual reapplication keeps the brake-line coating fresh and significantly reduces brake-line corrosion progression. RAM customers who have been with us annually since their truck was new are not the ones who come back with brake-line failure at year 8.

RAM Coil-Spring Rear Suspension and Why Undercoat Matters Specifically

RAM 1500 has used a coil-spring rear suspension since the 2009 generation, which is a different setup than the leaf-spring rears on most other trucks. The coil-spring design has more exposed steel components (control arms, coil-spring perches, anti-roll bar links) than a leaf-spring design where most of the suspension is hidden inside the leaf-spring stack. More exposed steel means more salt-spray exposure and more surfaces that need annual Coat & Protect coverage. The application reaches every component on the rear suspension during the Step 2 underbody pass. RAM 2500 and 3500 still use leaf-spring rears like other heavy-duty trucks, so the rear-suspension coverage is more straightforward on those models.

How It Works

  1. Hoist inspection by RAM model: Vehicle on the lift. Older RAM 1500 (2002-2008 and DS/DJ generation) get a careful frame and steering-linkage check because of the documented history. Newer RAMs and HD models get the standard cavity-and-underbody walk-through.
  2. Cavity oil application: Step 1 penetrating oil into door cavities, rocker panels, cab cavities, fender wells, and tailgate channels. Reaches through factory drain holes and any drilled access points.
  3. Underbody Coat & Protect with brake-line priority: Step 2 thick oil-based undercoat sprayed across frame rails, crossmembers, suspension components, brake lines, fuel lines, and exhaust hangers. Brake lines specifically get the priority pass because of the higher-frequency RAM brake-line corrosion issue.
  4. Coil-spring rear suspension coverage: On RAM 1500 (2009+) the rear suspension control arms, coil-spring perches, and anti-roll bar links get full Coat & Protect coverage because the coil-spring design exposes more steel than a leaf-spring rear.
  5. Drain check and final: Manufacturer drain holes verified clear. Customer briefed on the 1 to 3 day drip period before keys go back. Park on the street or a tarp the first night.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does RAM Rust Check cost in Bowmanville?
RAM 1500 regular cab: $180. RAM 1500 Quad/Crew, RAM 2500/3500 Crew: $190. RAM 3500 Dually: $200. Coat & Protect oil-based undercoat is included on every tier. One-time $10 first-drill charge if access holes need to be added.
Does Rust Check protect RAM brake lines?
Yes, and this is one of the higher-leverage items on a RAM specifically. RAM brake-line corrosion has been a documented higher-frequency issue than on some other trucks. Step 2 Coat & Protect covers the brake lines at the same time as the frame, suspension, and exhaust hangers. Annual reapplication significantly slows brake-line corrosion progression.
I have an older RAM 1500 with some frame rust starting. Is Rust Check still worth it?
Yes. We give an honest hoist inspection at the first appointment to identify the extent of any pre-existing frame rust. Light surface rust slows under annual Rust Check. Through-rusted frame sections are a body-shop call, not a Rust Check fix, but the application slows further damage on adjacent metal that is still sound. We tell you straight in the bay before charging.
Will Rust Check void my RAM factory warranty?
No. Rust Check is approved by every major manufacturer including Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) and does not void any factory warranty in Canada. Many RAM dealers offer the same treatment under their own branding through their service departments at higher dealer markup than an independent licensed shop charges.
When should I book my RAM for Rust Check?
October through November is the high-leverage window before the first salt application. Trucks coming off a hard summer of work or a long road trip benefit from going in just before the first salt event. Spring is the second-best window for catching up if you missed the fall.
Is rubberized undercoat better than oil-based for RAM trucks?
No. Rubberized cracks under stone impact and frame flex, freezes brittle in cold snaps, and traps moisture once cracks open. Working RAMs flex their frames more than passenger vehicles, so rubberized fails faster on them than on cars. Coat & Protect oil-based undercoat stays flexible, never cracks, and never traps moisture against the frame.