5.7 Hemi - Normal Rust? 6k Miles

[Brandon982]

I've recently purchased a 2019 Ram Limited with 6,000 Miles(Used). I thought I heard something when shifting gears so I looked underneath the vehicle and found this below.. The truck was purchased in southern state and sold here originally.
Now having owned nothing but cares my entire life I'm completely clueless to this. Any input would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

 

[Biga]

Unpainted steel will develop surface rust the minute it is exposed to the elements. I will have to check mine to see how it looks after 4,500 miles but I've had the same on previous new trucks.

 

[Electrical]

Seems like typical surface rust to me too. Run it by your dealer at the next oil change.

I'm no metallurgist but I seem to recall parts made with some sort of sacrificial layer or coating on the surface that is in fact intended to rust over. This layer of rust then acts as a barrier to protect the part underneath.

 

[SpeedyV]

I presume they are balanced as-is, and surface rust is considered to be acceptable (as @Electrical indicated). If you were to clean it off and paint it, you might need to rebalance the shaft.

 

[ExcursionDiesel]

I can't imagine an even coat of paint causing a balance issue any more than an even layer of rust!

I'll look at my driveshaft in the a.m. to see if it's oxidizing since I'm at 7k miles with lots of wet weather driving.

 

[Ram1984]

I’m not 100% but I thought I remembered when I looked under my truck while putting on running boards that my driveshaft appeared to be aluminum not steel

 

[KRField]

I have over 24k on mine and only surface rust on u-joints. My drive shaft still looks new. That’s even after driving a couple road saltings.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Electrical]

Can we get a couple of part numbers posted... one with rust and one without?

 

[SpeedyV]

I’m not 100% but I thought I remembered when I looked under my truck while putting on running boards that my driveshaft appeared to be aluminum not steel

Same here. I’m under my truck right now, and the driveshaft looks new.

 

[Brandon982]

Yeah thanks for everyone's input guess I'll take it to the dealer and see how they can blame it on me lol.

 

[SpeedyV]

Haha, typing upside down to give us the most updated news. Always love your posts honestly.

I was having a ton of fun with the 1st oil change

 

[ExcursionDiesel]

I was having a ton of fun with the 1st oil change

Ain't it a blast? Especially on the 4X4 trucks.

 

[ExcursionDiesel]

Btw...my driveshaft looks new.

 

[Brandon982]

Anyone mind sharing a photo of yours not being rusted and how many miles? I'd love to use it for a example to the dealership next week.

Thanks!

 

[19Jake]

Aluminum 6061-T6 printed on shaft

 

[Brandon982]

Thank you!

 

[JLUR_]

Looks like OP's driveshaft part number is 68304475AB. Does this match anyone elses? There's an AC revision out for this part, too.

 

[Brandon982]

I can get more photos of the build date and model # when it stops pouring down raining. So far I've yet to see anyone with rust as bad as mine.. I'm in Northern Alabama btw very little snow. Funny thing is nothing else is rusted at all except a few bolts here and there.

 

[Brandon982]

All new Ram 19' Limited

 

[Brandon982]

Oh wow! Maybe that is explaining the noise I hear in low gears clicking sound.. Wonder if Dealership will fix it.. I've owned it for two weeks.