i have a 07 ctd 4x4 and had a few problems with it and i only bought it about 6 months ago. first my computer went bad and over charged my batteries blowing the caps off and throwing acid on my fender and bumper which had to be repainted. my four wheel drive shifter makes noise and well as my drivers seat. i dropped my phone on the floor board when i went to pick it up i noticed my seat frames were starting to rust as well as my diff covers and everything else underneith the truck that is metal. the truck hasnt seen snow or salt. sorry guys i just had to vent..

 

All the metal under will turn that "rust-orange" color right away, especially if the humidity is high enough.

Either way, sounds like you have had some issues. I had some serious issues too with a previous vehicle. It seemed like everytime I fixed something, something else would break. I finally traded it in and lost a lot of money on it. Hopefully your truck doesn't turn out to be a lemon too.

 

my seat frames and the metal supports under the dash are the same way- it is humidity. under my truck is a different story- it looks brand new because i have my truck sprayed yearly at carwells.

http://www.carwell.com

 

My 1998 1500 seat braces turned orange years ago and never got worse.My 03 is the same deal.