franco60

Dumb question I know, but in looking at my "new to me" 2008 GT/CS, I noticed the rear end/differential/axle of the stang is fairly rusty. It's been a while since I've owned a car you can just take a peak from the back and see it as my HEMI Charger has to be in a lift to see it.

Just wondered is this entirely normal? Car came from a warm weather state (it's not from NY or anything where salt on roads and ice would be an issue).

Just wondering. Expected it to a heavy cost if black paint or something. Thanks.

ghunt

Well, the axle and driveshaft are installed "bare" (no paint) so yes, it's normal.

Andy13186

i agree that they should have been painted , but yea its normal even on 2011's and up, not sure on the 2015s

jz78817

leaving it unpainted saves several dollars per car. at least on the Mustang, you can't normally see the axle, as well the housing is thick enough where it's not going to rust through.

BrazenStang

Its "patina". Totally normal!

Nuke

It's a Ford and it's normal. Some folks prep and paint them but unless you're taking Ritalin or something similar, I don't think you'll need to paint them.

The layer of rust that you see is actually protecting the metal underneath.

moosestang

You want to see rust, look up under your dash! under the seats is rusty too.

808muscle

Yeah the under the dash rust is alway puzzling? LOL

jz78817

the IP cross-brace is usually plain steel. it'll have some rust on it.

franco60

Thanks guys. I can keep may car OCD in check now and enjoy driving it like I stole it!