the rust on these rigs comes from the inside, where the factory put no coating at all, like inside those rockers, slowly caused by condensation caused by temp and humidity changes .... the only way to "make the truck last" in your area is to keep it in a climate controlled garage .... only use it in fair weather when roads are totally dry
beyond that, if you want to actually use the truck, just do so and fix problems properly as they crop up
Bill
