Frame rot repair - tell me I'm going to h***

Captsolo said:

Lot of rust. What year 4runner. Looks like you saved it from the junk heap.

My SR5 2005 with 150,000 miles has no rust by comparison. When it was dipped at the factory in Japan it stopped rust. I live in Bahamas. I can still see the undercoating black on the frame - and rust is superficial - not eating through anywhere. :music:

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They all rust up in the salt belt. The only way to prevent it is to keep an eye on it and keep rust inhibitors on the steel.

If that one was a junk heap. I would hate to see what you think of Tetanus 1 and 2.

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Edit: I realize this is a gen4. The rust is the issue and you gen 3 fellas seem to be well versed. I hope I'm not breaking any rules, apologies if I am. Just let me know, I haven't been on a forum in ages haha.

Hey guys, I am brand new here and unable to start a new thread so I am going to inquire in this here thread as to what you professionals think of my current situation.

I bought my '03 4runner in July 2019. I bought it from a small dealership in Upstate NY, where I am located. I'll admit I was in a bit of a rush, and took the owner's word and trusted what he told me. He said that "There is almost no rust and that the vehicle must not have been in NY before he got it at auction."

Anyways, long story short. Went to my mechanic to evaluate some brake stuff and he told me I better look into parting ways with the car I just bought for $4000 because of the condition of the frame. He said it should have never passed inspection so this brings me here.

I can file a complaint to the NY DMV and possibly get my money back in a few months if the process is truly just.

However, if salvageable, I am willing to go through this thing and work my ass off and weld the repairs myself, if it is worth it.

I feel like this is a pretty unique situation so I have come to speak with you all and see what you think!











Thank you for your time gentlemen! I'm looking forward to the replies. I think I know how this'll go haha

- Jared

payeentbawlur said:

Edit: I realize this is a gen4. The rust is the issue and you gen 3 fellas seem to be well versed. I hope I'm not breaking any rules, apologies if I am. Just let me know, I haven't been on a forum in ages haha.

Hey guys, I am brand new here and unable to start a new thread so I am going to inquire in this here thread as to what you professionals think of my current situation.

I bought my '03 4runner in July 2019. I bought it from a small dealership in Upstate NY, where I am located. I'll admit I was in a bit of a rush, and took the owner's word and trusted what he told me. He said that "There is almost no rust and that the vehicle must not have been in NY before he got it at auction."

Anyways, long story short. Went to my mechanic to evaluate some brake stuff and he told me I better look into parting ways with the car I just bought for $4000 because of the condition of the frame. He said it should have never passed inspection so this brings me here.

I can file a complaint to the NY DMV and possibly get my money back in a few months if the process is truly just.

However, if salvageable, I am willing to go through this thing and work my ass off and weld the repairs myself, if it is worth it.

I feel like this is a pretty unique situation so I have come to speak with you all and see what you think!

Thank you for your time gentlemen! I'm looking forward to the replies. I think I know how this'll go haha

- Jared

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The pictures aren't coming through tap talk are they jpg extension on the picture itself?

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brillo_76 said:

The pictures aren't coming through tap talk are they jpg extension on the picture itself?

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Uploaded everything to my old photo bucket account. The original pics I uploaded came through, let me know if these manage to make it into your optical receptors.

For some reason it helps me upload the image if I open it in a new tab? I haven't uploaded images onto a forum in probably ten years so please bear with me.

- Jared

Those were patched before and nothing done to prohibit the rust.

There really isnt alot left. That entire section needs rebuilt or replaced.

That's just the front section. How about the rest of the frame? If it's that bad with the entire frame. It basically needs a new frame as you would have to completely rebuild that front section. Then weld a new crossmember on as that one has nothing left and I am surprised it still holding together.

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I know in PA they couldn't legally sale that to you in this state. Being you bought this mid last year. Its possible it rusted up significantly or you knocked the scale off to expose your bad sections. The only exception would be a waiver for parts or an agreement that you know the frame is extremely rotted. I know you to new to have all the forum features available. As I would have sent this via a PM to you.

My guess is you didn't think to look it over and it had a good inspection sticker and your just recently looking into it as it failed inspection of inspection is coming up.

We I buy any vehicle. The first thing I do is crawl under them to see the state of the under carriage.

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not sure i would drive that 4runner. be careful.

Is he pulling our leg?

If indeed that is a genuine post, it really doesn't look good.

payeentbawlur said:

Uploaded everything to my old photo bucket account. The original pics I uploaded came through, let me know if these manage to make it into your optical receptors.

For some reason it helps me upload the image if I open it in a new tab? I haven't uploaded images onto a forum in probably ten years so please bear with me.

- Jared

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Holy FCUK

You got conned. I'd give a shot at going after the dealer. Might not get anywhere though.

And here I thought 3rd gen 4runners had it bad. At least they don’t rust up front like that holy crap.


Still nothing takes the cake from 2nd gen ones that usually have half a body rusted away and no frame around here

In the days of uncertainties thats hard to say. I just know that section of frame is very rotted and no way would I be driving that down the road. As its structural integrity is gone.

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No joke fellas, that is the real condition of my 4runner. I've learned an immense amount since purchasing her. I was in a bit of a rush and for some reason trusted the guy's word on it. My first lesson.

I'll see if I can file one of these (NYDMV Complaint) and see what happens. I called them and they said that if the frame really is screwed that they would notify the dealer and he'd either have to replace the frame, or give me back my dough. So, wish me luck with that!

The rest of the frame isn't great, but I showed you guys the worst of the worst. I checked out a couple of other threads here and saw the reactions to much, much better frames, so I figured I would just get a couple more opinions before I start this painful process of filing that form.

Thank you guys again, like I said, I've learned a ton since getting this rig and will be much better equipped next time.

I've fallen in love with 4runners, and won't be leaving the tribe.

If anyone has some words of wisdom I am very open to that!

Thank you again good sirs,

- Jared

brillo_76 said:

I know in PA they couldn't legally sale that to you in this state. Being you bought this mid last year. Its possible it rusted up significantly or you knocked the scale off to expose your bad sections. The only exception would be a waiver for parts or an agreement that you know the frame is extremely rotted. I know you to new to have all the forum features available. As I would have sent this via a PM to you.

My guess is you didn't think to look it over and it had a good inspection sticker and your just recently looking into it as it failed inspection of inspection is coming up.

We I buy any vehicle. The first thing I do is crawl under them to see the state of the under carriage.

Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk

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He shouldn't have been able to sell me the truck. He knows someone that is probably a friend with a very lax inspection station and got it to pass. There were other things my mechanic told me were done that shouldn't have passed inspection. I'm going to have him write up a report essentially that I can use with those pictures and file that form and see what comes of it.

That's the plan right now.

payeentbawlur said:

He shouldn't have been able to sell me the truck. He knows someone that is probably a friend with a very lax inspection station and got it to pass. There were other things my mechanic told me were done that shouldn't have passed inspection. I'm going to have him write up a report essentially that I can use with those pictures and file that form and see what comes of it.



That's the plan right now.

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Best of luck. I glad you learned from the experience as that is all we can do. That definitely went to a lick and stick and honestly didn't legally pass for many years.


Keep us posted and yes we are all hoping a decent solution will come of this.

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rdruss said:

Nice job Mack10, I have an '03 that has one nasty spot under P/S door that I've patched with aluminum plate and JB Weld. I have no welding skills and hopefully don't have any further needs, but yes, it is the inside of the frame that seems to be the problem, mine is full of rusted metal that has fallen off the inside, I have a freezer bag with about 1/2 pound in it!
See my garage.

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Looks good