Recently heard a new noise coming from the rear of my '97 4Runner and had a look and was surprised to see that the bracket that attaches the upper "trac" bar (not sure if that is what it is called) to the rear axle is rotten right through...Is this repairable or do I start to part the truck out?

Thanks

Are you talking about the bar that goes across the vehicle, parallel with the axle?
Some do call this a track bar and some call this a pan hard bar.
Anything can be fixed, rebuilt and made better.
Without seeing it, I'm guessing that it can be straightened out and rewelded to the axle housing. Then maybe add some gussets or bracing so it doesn't happen again.

Any pictures of it?
This would help us assess the situation.

part it out. I'll buy the whole truck for $6. And, it appears it your lucky day! I have a can or two of cherry coke in the fridge I'll throw in for free!

I'm sure you could weld some new support brackets but I'd be concerned about the rest of the axle nearing the same condition. I'd look it over really carefully to make sure something else doesn't let go and then maybe start looking for a replacement axle.

Pictures would be great as it appears he could be talking about the panhard, upper control arm or even the sway bar bracket. Nonetheless I would think a new bracket could be welded on.

It would be the upper control arm bracket...took me some time but found someone local who is willing/able to fix it. Looks like the bracket cracked, the mechanic feels there is enough solid metal to weld it back together and re-inforce it. I will have him look at the bracket on the other side as well and re-inforce it at the same time if need be. Sadly there will be no replacement axle in the future of this truck, it has been a winter beater since it was new and it is rotten everywhere...so if it couldn't be fixed it was going to be parted out. So far I am managing to avoid that decision at this time. Lets see if she will get me through another winter. Last winter took care of the rocker panels, gas tank skid plate and most of the rear bumber, lets see if the tailgate lasts this winter.

Thanks

Replacement axle housings are pretty inexpensive - check the classifieds on this site or your local junkyard. I would guess your entire existing housing is pretty rotten; there may be other areas prone to failure.

Im selling my housing for 50 bucks. Where are you located?

I am up in Canada, and likely anything I would find used at a salvage yard would be not much better then my existing housing...have to love the salt up here.

mmm yes gotta love that salt, mine is now covered in pour 15

On topic though I would probably not be attempting to fix your axle if the upper control arm rusted through. Your diff cover is probably very very thin. In my search to buy a 4runner I found 3 forsale that were all leaking from the diff cover due to rust.

Not sure if your in ontario but this guy has 10-30 trucks on his lot at one time. Prices are just okay, but you can ussually find what your looking for and atleast one that is not rusted.

toyota 4x4 truck and 4 runner parts - Barrie Other Parts, Accessories For Sale - Kijiji Barrie Canada.

Thanks for the link, I will check out what he has available as my 4Runner needs some TLC in other areas as well.