Help, Frame Rust!!

[96OBS]

Okay so I just bought a 1996 ford 7.3 4x4 5speed with 182xxx. It came from Ohio so I know it had a little rust over the rear fenders. I got it for 3200. Ran great all the way back to TN. Well it had snowed so I just got a chance to crawl under it. Well the frame is pretty solid up front. But where the hitch and bumper bolts on is basically rotted. My job is pulling lawn mowers, the occasional bobcat. How can I fix this? My buddy is a certified welder at a trailer repair shop. He said he could help me out. What should I do? Cut the old rusty frame and weld new on or what? He said he'd do it for free because I have a torch and welder. If hew welds now on will it be Safe and sturdy? Also will wheels of an 02 fit on this?

 

[kadeninabnitt]

02 wheels won't fit and if its rotted I'd remove and replace or it will just spread

 

[96stacked&smoken]

How bad is it rotted?Any holes or just deep surface rust?

 

[96OBS]

It is basically gone where the bumper bolts on. And is about the same where the hitch bolts on. What should i weld back in? Do i need frame or weld steel peices on it. I just want to be comfortable pulling an 853 bobcat occasionally. But in the summer i pull mowers every day.

 

[dirtflinger92]

Get us some pics to help out a little more

 

[TyCorr]

Whew...thats gonna.be tricky....

 

[fordfreak4life]

Plate the frame

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[96OBS]

I'll try Tomm. Never had luck uploading pics. But from behind the rear shackles back is just rot from where all the salt from up north got in the crevices between hitch and frame.