[jackstraw252]

I found a 3rd gen 5 speed that I am interested in with 242k miles. See the axle pics. Frame looks good though. Might just be surface rust?

[raKnizek]

If the rest of the frame is truly in good shape it might be worth it. You can swap in a cleaner rear axle pretty easily.

At the very least this looks like it would benefit from a new differential cover. It looks like it might be leaking some oil in its current state.

[jackstraw252]

Frame pics for reference

[raKnizek]

Frame appears decent! What are those black drip marks near the right rear lower suspension mount? That's one of the spots to be most concerned about. Be wary of anyone trying to hide rust and rot in that area.

[jackstraw252]

I'm not sure. I saw it in person and test drove it. Drives like a dream and the 5 speed is butter. I don't think anything is trying to be hidden. I inspected the frame and no chips or crumbling. Then I discovered the axle but went home and saw a bunch of videos of people restoring and now I am thinking that I want to jump on this.

[phattyduck]

Maybe it was regularly used to launch boats in salt water? That would explain why only the back 1/3 is rusty.

I'd be very concerned about the fact that somebody is hiding something on that rear lower link mount.

The rear axle is very rusted and will be a hassle to deal with, but the rest isn't horrible. I still think there is probably a lot more going on inside the frame than you think though.

-Charlie

[jackstraw252]

Originally Posted by phattyduck

Maybe it was regularly used to launch boats in salt water? That would explain why only the back 1/3 is rusty.

I'd be very concerned about the fact that somebody is hiding something on that rear lower link mount.

The rear axle is very rusted and will be a hassle to deal with, but the rest isn't horrible. I still think there is probably a lot more going on inside the frame than you think though.

-Charlie

Would the inside of the frame rust before the outside? I poked around and all felt solid.

[raKnizek]

Not uncommon for their to be rust inside a frame without any visible indication of it from the outside. That is a harder thing to see and you may have to make assumptions based on the rest of the vehicle condition.

One other thing I see when looking back at the pictures is the muffler was clearly replaced. Not a necessarily a concern on its own but notable considering the condition overall

[jackstraw252]

Originally Posted by raKnizek

Not uncommon for their to be rust inside a frame without any visible indication of it from the outside. That is a harder thing to see and you may have to make assumptions based on the rest of the vehicle condition.

One other thing I see when looking back at the pictures is the muffler was clearly replaced. Not a necessarily a concern on its own but notable considering the condition overall

For sure! Definitely a new muffler. Sounded very crisp during my test drive. I would count a new muffler as a positive?

[gamefreakgc]

Originally Posted by jackstraw252

For sure! Definitely a new muffler. Sounded very crisp during my test drive. I would count a new muffler as a positive?

It probably meant the old one rusted out.

[Dieselchessy]

The back of the rigs rust due to salty road spray. The front tires kick up the water from the road.

I’d say there is no way that frame isn’t rusted on the inside.

You have to reach your finger inside the larger square holes on the inside edge of the frame back by the muffler fuel tank. Feel toward the bottom inside of the frame. If there is roughness and large flakes she’s got cancer. Sand and dirt are normal.

Lower the spare and look at the body seams and spot welds. It will show cancer there first.
Look at the fender lip (pinch weld) inside the front of the rear wheel wells. It likes to start there.

Look at the hood. Make sure no paint bubbles. Then open the hood and look where the frame is glued to the skin. Hard to look at if it has a blanket.

[phattyduck]

Originally Posted by jackstraw252

For sure! Definitely a new muffler. Sounded very crisp during my test drive. I would count a new muffler as a positive?

Unless it was replaced to hide a very rusty exhaust...

The OEM exhaust is/was pretty good at resisting corrosion, but still has problems in salty conditions.

-Charlie

[Dieselchessy]

The back of the rigs rust due to salty road spray. The front tires kick up the water from the road.

I’d say there is no way that frame isn’t rusted on the inside.

You have to reach your finger inside the larger square holes on the inside edge of the frame back by the muffler and fuel tank. Feel toward the bottom inside of the frame. If there is roughness and large flakes she’s got cancer. Sand and dirt are normal.

Lower the spare and look at the body seams and spot welds. It will show cancer there first.
Look at the fender lip (pinch weld) inside the front of the rear wheel wells. It likes to start there.

Look at the hood. Make sure no paint bubbles. Then open the hood and look where the frame is glued to the skin. Hard to look at if it has a blanket.

[jackstraw252]

Originally Posted by gamefreakgc

It probably meant the old one rusted out.

No doubt. One less thing for me to replace! Haha

[jackstraw252]

Originally Posted by Dieselchessy

The back of the rigs rust due to salty road spray. The front tires kick up the water from the road.

I’d say there is no way that frame isn’t rusted on the inside.

You have to reach your finger inside the larger square holes on the inside edge of the frame back by the muffler and fuel tank. Feel toward the bottom inside of the frame. If there is roughness and large flakes she’s got cancer. Sand and dirt are normal.

Lower the spare and look at the body seams and spot welds. It will show cancer there first.
Look at the fender lip (pinch weld) inside the front of the rear wheel wells. It likes to start there.

Look at the hood. Make sure no paint bubbles. Then open the hood and look where the frame is glued to the skin. Hard to look at if it has a blanket.

Thanks for all the advice. The 4Runner is 2.5 hours away from me and I made the trip yesterday to get a feel for it. I am having the seller snap some of the above pics to see those conditions. I got underneath yesterday and the rim on the spare was rusted. Hopefully above it is a little better.