Protecting your Raptor in the Winter from Corrosion

[Diesel71]

I've seen a lot of threads recently having a common theme of how to protect your suspension/undercarriage in the winter. I live in IL 30 miles south of Wisconsin, so I'm know what nasty and salty winters can do to a Raptor. With the winter around the corner, I figured I would share my experience.

These are two products that I have used over the years. There are dozens of products out there, but these are my personal favorites although they both have a downside. They are both very easy to apply, just spray it on.

You can get Fluid Film in hardware stores or Amazon and costs around $11 @ can. Amsoil is a little harder to find and costs a bit more. If you just spray your shocks/leaf springs, 1 can will be plenty. If you are giving your undercarriage and suspension a full spraying, expect to use 2-3 cans.

Positives:

They both work awesome for the purpose of rust/corrosion resistance and protection. One application will last the winter.

Negatives:

Fluid Film; It's made from sheep fat, so if you keep your Raptor in the garage, expect it to smell like a barn for a few weeks.

Amsoil; It leaves a red tint on everything you coat, not a big deal on the frame, but I wish I did not spray my Fox 3.0s with it.

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Do most people just spray the shocks/springs or spray the whole bottom?

 

[FGHT ON]

I used to live in northern Illinois too and there wasn't anything that would protect from rust with the amount of salt they dump on the roads every year. I did find one thing that was a sure bet to keep rust away though! I moved to Colorado!!!

Can't get out of terrible IL quick enough!

 

[MGA]

Question on the application - I am not so worried about the winter salt but more concerned about the salt from numerous beach trips though I stay out of the wet sand to the extent possible, how clean do you need to get the underside? Is it good enough to just get under it and spray everything off with a hose? Obviously the shocks and easy areas would be washed but curious the level of detail needed prior to spraying the fluid film? Thanks

 

[Big Blue]

Do most people just spray the shocks/springs or spray the whole bottom?

I guess that depends on the level of protection you are looking for. I just give my shocks and leaf springs a coating, not the full undercarriage/frame but there are just as many guys that do the whole works.

 

[Big Blue]

Can't get out of terrible IL quick enough!

X2!

 

[FiveOsvt]

Question on the application - I am not so worried about the winter salt but more concerned about the salt from numerous beach trips though I stay out of the wet sand to the extent possible, how clean do you need to get the underside? Is it good enough to just get under it and spray everything off with a hose? Obviously the shocks and easy areas would be washed but curious the level of detail needed prior to spraying the fluid film? Thanks

I get under there with some degreaser and spray it on a rag and wipe it down the best I can. I do as much as I can physically get to. I want my truck to last a very long time though so I am willing to put in a few hours every fall to make sure its protected as best as possible during the winter months. I broke it up over a few days and did a section at a time.

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[badm0t0rfinger]

Question on the application - I am not so worried about the winter salt but more concerned about the salt from numerous beach trips though I stay out of the wet sand to the extent possible, how clean do you need to get the underside? Is it good enough to just get under it and spray everything off with a hose? Obviously the shocks and easy areas would be washed but curious the level of detail needed prior to spraying the fluid film? Thanks

I use either one of those underbody cleaners or at the car wash I clean the undercarriage as best as I can (I get looks sometimes nearly laying on the concrete, but to me its worth it). Trust me You should be okay. My truck was on the beaches in Hawaii almost every weekend from 2014 to 2017 and Outer Banks up til 2019. You'll be fine. Wash it down if you are putting a boat into the water and you back up to your axle into water. Put fluid film on the truck once its dry.

When applying your highest priority is making sure its dry, because if its wet it will trap the water inside and cause even worse corrosion/rust than no application at all. Thats why I cringe when I see those rubberized undercoating. 9 times out of 10 its done poorly and will make the frame swiss cheese in just a few years. Dust and dirt aren't nearly as big of a deal, obviously don't apply over the clumps of dirt from the last time you went muddin', but don't skip a spot with a little dust. This stuff will collect dust all the same.

Plus if you're really concerned about salt, just rinse the undercarriage with some Salt Away. I'm sure you can find some at any marine supply store. Its good stuff.

 

[badm0t0rfinger]

Do most people just spray the shocks/springs or spray the whole bottom?

Shocks, parts of the frame, into the body panel where rust can occur, skid plate bolts etc. Fluid Film is safe for most anywhere that is metal.

 

[Winchester30]

I have 1 hard winter on my truck already- too late to start using fluid film??

 

[FiveOsvt]

I have 1 hard winter on my truck already- too late to start using fluid film??

Not at all, just give it a good wipe down and spray on the fluid film. It will prevent any future salt/water from sitting and causing further and more rapid corrosion. Any sports that may be of more concern you can always hit with some type of rust converter first and then do the fluid film.

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