Hello all, I am in a bit of a pickle. Seems the wife's 01' SR5 has the rusted shock tower syndrome. The drivers side shock pushed through the shock tower and took the ABS harness with it. So now all the brake, vsc, trac and abs lights are on and the top of the rear shock is trying to push its way through the floor boards. Mechanic wants $1300 in labor alone to weld new towers in. He also said the gas tank has to come down and is unsure what surprises would be hiding up there as far as rust issues. It is a shame because the truck has only 182k and the interior/ body look great and everything works as it should. Not even sure what I could get for it as is. So, the question is should I sink more money into the truck or try and part it out or trade it in on something else. Didn't think the wife would get attached to a vehicle, but she loves her 4runner. I guess I finally rubbed off on her with my love for Toyotas. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'd just fix it. Cheaper than a massive new car payment and this one is special to you.

The truck has helped you out for a while, so now it is time to help her out

Just went to Disneyworld all day yesterday and I'm still somewhat wasted, so I can't remember his name but the E guy here sells a lot of good shit. Metal weld on reinforcements and the like

Well, believe me, I would not and could not afford a new car payment. lol. I would be going to the used car lots and craigslist.

Not sure how long you've owned it, but there's plenty of info on this forum to prevent rust. Ignore it and you pay the price. Post some undercarriage pics of the frame around the rear lower control arm and underneath. If overall its real bad, then it may not be something you want to keep.

It's a bummer you so far away. I could show you how to fix that. It's not super hard just very time consuming. :] I really dislike the states using salt etc as that is what it does to the frames.

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I have only had it 2 years and I fluid film every late fall, so I guess the damage was done before I got it. I am going down to the mechanic later to check out the extent of the damage and will try to post some pics. Thanks

I would assess the condition of the rest of the truck's frame and suspension before you move any further. The rear lower control arm support brackets that mount to the frame are notorious to rust and break off. An expensive repair from what I've read on here.
Pic for reference:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2298189-post28.html


It might also be in your best interest to stick a camera endoscope into the frame channels and see the extent of the rust.

Dude. Never EVER buy a Northeast car that OLD! That car is a pile of rust waiting to just implode. The mechanic is right. He's gonna find all kinds of stuff. I've lived in NY. Rust is CANCER. It is not in only one spot!

ONLY fix this car if the mechanic goes from one end of the frame to the other poking it for rusted spots and finds NOTHING ELSE.

If it were me, I'd take the car, set it aside for parts and take a road trip to a southern state and grab a replacement for $5k. Now you start with a solid base to keep maintained properly.

-Mike

Thanks for the input @ToyotaBrah . Good advice, will check that out as well

Part out and hop into another 3rd gen. The hood alone is worth what, $500 or $600?

Just in front of the rear lower link mounts, the point where the frame bends up to make room for the rear axle, there are square holes on the inside of the frame rails.
Stick a finger or two in there and feel down toward the bottom of the frame. If you feel rust flakes, roughness, or much anything other than sand and dust, she’s probably got cancer.
You can also look at the inside of the frame rail at that point, passenger side next to the muffler. Any bubbling or flaking at the weld points and cancer.

That low spot of the frame collects moisture just like the bowl made by the shock mount does when the little drain hole clogs.
Same area of the frame below the fire wall, but since these rigs tend to sag in the rear the moisture tends toward the rear.

Also look at the body above the spare tire. Body rust tends to start there from road spray. Also the body seams in the front of the rear wheel wells.

Maybe it’s worth a frame to you. I’m not into welding good steel to steel with cancer. It’s like trying to remodel a house while it’s on fire.

Yeah, I really goofed on this purchase. It was a one owner, always serviced at Toyota and looked really good inside and out. Lesson learned. Man, I have living in the northeast.

Does anyone know if it is possible to weld in new shock towers WITHOUT dropping the gas tank? That is what my mechanic wants to do for safety reasons. And does Toyota still make the shock towers?

I wouldn't even attempt to weld a new plate for the shock towers in the driver side without dropping the tank. Good way to blow yourself up from gas fumes. :/

{Part Number}{description} {MSP}
5130135030 BRACKET SUB-ASSEMBLY, REAR SPRING, REAR RIGHT MSP$135.70
5130235040 BRACKET SUB-ASSEMBLY, REAR SPRING, REAR LEFT MSP $180.55

So yes they are still Available new.. :-)

Yeah, I feel for you. I have seen cars that were taken care of so perfectly that until you get underneath...you have no idea the car is a death trap.

Waxing does help the top side...but not the underside!

We have so many people moving to NC here from the North with their crap cars that you have to be really careful. You MUST check the carfax and avoid the northern cars.

-Mike