Home Menu

Site Navigation


Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum > > > Should I stop driving my 3rd gen in the salt/winter?
User Tag List

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 11-07-2022, 11:42 AM #1
CougarHound's Avatar
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
CougarHound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
Should I stop driving my 3rd gen in the salt/winter?
Is it a ridiculous idea to stop driving my 3rd gen in the winter to avoid rust? I live in New England and they salt the roads. I have a Prius C commuter that I plan on using as a winter car and I don't really care too much if it rusts...Or should I use the 4runner until it rusts to pieces?

Why do I care? I'm kind of undecided whether I want to keep the rig or sell it and I'm just trying to avoid rust to keep the resale value up. TBH the 4runner is kinda overkill for my needs at the moment. This is not Utah and there are barely any trails here...So I don't drive it that often. This Prius doesn't have a problem in the snow.
Last edited by CougarHound; 11-07-2022 at 11:47 AM.
CougarHound is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-07-2022, 12:29 PM #2
aontkos's Avatar
aontkos aontkos is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Northwest Lower Peninsula, Michigan
Posts: 257
aontkos will become famous soon enough
aontkos aontkos is offline
Member
aontkos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Northwest Lower Peninsula, Michigan
Posts: 257
aontkos will become famous soon enough
I'll tag along for this.

I'm a Florida native that recently relocated to Michigan. For the most part, my 2000 is rust free. I planned to get a 'beater' 3rd gen after I moved north specifically for winter driving, but since I'm trying to build a house, it's hard to justify financially.

I spent a lot of time coating my frame, crossmembers, etc. with Eastwood's internal frame coating and spraying the underside with Blaster Surface Shield. We'll see what the future holds.
aontkos is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-07-2022, 12:42 PM #3
Hyde802's Avatar
Hyde802 Hyde802 is offline
Senior Member
  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northfield, VT
Posts: 3,616
Real Name: Caleb
Hyde802 has a spectacular aura about Hyde802 has a spectacular aura about
Hyde802 Hyde802 is offline
Senior Member
Hyde802's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northfield, VT
Posts: 3,616
Real Name: Caleb
Hyde802 has a spectacular aura about Hyde802 has a spectacular aura about
Undercoat the heck out of it yearly with Fluid Film or NHOIL and keep on trucking.

How rusty is it currently?
__________________
92 ExtraCab on 38s: built for go, not for show
88 4runner: Solid axle, doubler, fun stuff

IG: rattlewagon
Its all about the parts you break, and the friends you make.
Hyde802 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-07-2022, 12:50 PM #4
brillo_76's Avatar
brillo_76 brillo_76 is offline
Elite Member
  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Western PA
Posts: 6,039
Real Name: Jon
brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute
brillo_76 brillo_76 is offline
Elite Member
brillo_76's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Western PA
Posts: 6,039
Real Name: Jon
brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute
I live in the rust belt all my life. I actually have dedicated vehicles for winter because of the damage the road chemicals do.

It's best to keep the vehicle as clean as possible and keep the underside coated with the rust inhibitor solution of your choice .

Keep the inside of the frame clean and super coated with rust inhibitor solutions. As the frames rot from the inside out in this area.

Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
__________________
7 3rd gens listed in the build thread (2 are parts mobiles)
Build Thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...os-builds.html
Brillo's Bucket Fluid Ex changer: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ml#post3358086
Sparks Plugs Wire and Coil Information: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-5vz-fe.html
brillo_76 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-07-2022, 04:53 PM #5
CougarHound's Avatar
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
CougarHound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by aontkos View Post
I'll tag along for this.

I'm a Florida native that recently relocated to Michigan. For the most part, my 2000 is rust free. I planned to get a 'beater' 3rd gen after I moved north specifically for winter driving, but since I'm trying to build a house, it's hard to justify financially.

I spent a lot of time coating my frame, crossmembers, etc. with Eastwood's internal frame coating and spraying the underside with Blaster Surface Shield. We'll see what the future holds.

Yea that blaster surface shield is good stuff! I got my truck professionally oil coated and tbh I don't think it was worth it. I just spray it off at touchless car wash about twice a month or whenever the ice melts. Frame is solid.
CougarHound is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-07-2022, 05:02 PM #6
CougarHound's Avatar
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
CougarHound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
I do plan on spraying it with blaster or lanocote whenever I get the chance. I'm convinced just washing it frequently does a good job as undercoating.

It was also rubber undercoated by my father in a few spots when it was brand new. That is the worse sh*t ever and should be illegal. Lol. It flakes and traps water. Also hides rust and will eventually rust worse than non-treated surfaces.
Last edited by CougarHound; 11-07-2022 at 05:05 PM.
CougarHound is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-07-2022, 05:13 PM #7
CougarHound's Avatar
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
CougarHound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hyde802 View Post
Undercoat the heck out of it yearly with Fluid Film or NHOIL and keep on trucking.

How rusty is it currently?
It's not bad. You can see rust but it's just in the surface. The mechanics are always surprised at how good it looks.
Attached Images
Should I stop driving my 3rd gen in the salt/winter?-20210626_154550-jpg 
CougarHound is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-07-2022, 05:35 PM #8
brillo_76's Avatar
brillo_76 brillo_76 is offline
Elite Member
  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Western PA
Posts: 6,039
Real Name: Jon
brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute
brillo_76 brillo_76 is offline
Elite Member
brillo_76's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Western PA
Posts: 6,039
Real Name: Jon
brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute
Depends on the winter. Its a different environment up here and its starts as soon as the rig is in the environment. If you want to keep the rig, I would coat the inside of the frame. As this salt \chemical mists gets into places you cant wash out. like inside your doors fenders in everything. In the body cross members underneath you name it. Its just a price we have to pay for living here. Transmission oil/ gear grease all the good stuff works. Fluid Film will wash off too easily but great for inside things as an example.
__________________
7 3rd gens listed in the build thread (2 are parts mobiles)
Build Thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...os-builds.html
Brillo's Bucket Fluid Ex changer: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ml#post3358086
Sparks Plugs Wire and Coil Information: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-5vz-fe.html
brillo_76 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-07-2022, 06:20 PM #9
CougarHound's Avatar
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
CougarHound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by brillo_76 View Post
Depends on the winter. Its a different environment up here and its starts as soon as the rig is in the environment. If you want to keep the rig, I would coat the inside of the frame. As this salt \chemical mists gets into places you cant wash out. like inside your doors fenders in everything. In the body cross members underneath you name it. Its just a price we have to pay for living here. Transmission oil/ gear grease all the good stuff works. Fluid Film will wash off too easily but great for inside things as an example.

Yea seems easier to just drive a beater. I'm so OCD tho that I get guilty over neglecting a beater. Maybe I'll buy a car that I really hate for that...Like a Jeep Patriot. Lol.
CougarHound is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-07-2022, 07:10 PM #10
brillo_76's Avatar
brillo_76 brillo_76 is offline
Elite Member
  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Western PA
Posts: 6,039
Real Name: Jon
brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute
brillo_76 brillo_76 is offline
Elite Member
brillo_76's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Western PA
Posts: 6,039
Real Name: Jon
brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute
I let my worst framed and bodied 4 runner take the winters. I keep the better ones out of it. I seen it take a decent car and in 5 years to 10 being a complete rust piles. Its one of the reasons why people gave up and just buy new stuff. Trade them off when the rusts starts... ( I kinda really don't blame them either)
__________________
7 3rd gens listed in the build thread (2 are parts mobiles)
Build Thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...os-builds.html
Brillo's Bucket Fluid Ex changer: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ml#post3358086
Sparks Plugs Wire and Coil Information: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-5vz-fe.html
brillo_76 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-07-2022, 10:58 PM #11
CougarHound's Avatar
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
CougarHound CougarHound is offline
Member
CougarHound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 72
CougarHound is on a distinguished road
I just realized that my photo is a picture of the 4runner on the salt flats. Lol.
CougarHound is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-07-2022, 11:13 PM #12
brillo_76's Avatar
brillo_76 brillo_76 is offline
Elite Member
  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Western PA
Posts: 6,039
Real Name: Jon
brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute
brillo_76 brillo_76 is offline
Elite Member
brillo_76's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Western PA
Posts: 6,039
Real Name: Jon
brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute
You like to keep it interesting..

Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
__________________
7 3rd gens listed in the build thread (2 are parts mobiles)
Build Thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...os-builds.html
Brillo's Bucket Fluid Ex changer: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ml#post3358086
Sparks Plugs Wire and Coil Information: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-5vz-fe.html
brillo_76 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-08-2022, 12:32 AM #13
Devbot's Avatar
Devbot Devbot is offline
Senior Member
  
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 2,198
Real Name: Devan
Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold
Devbot Devbot is offline
Senior Member
Devbot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 2,198
Real Name: Devan
Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold
I would go snag a twist knot cup and get to cleaning and repainting. If you can nip it in the bud then there's no reason not to. You could also look into Blaster Surface Shield for extra protection. If a winter beater is an option that's obviously the best move.
__________________
Y2K Highlander Millennium Silver 3.4L auto @ 320k and climbing
Toytecs + 5100s / 7.5 wrap + OME spacers + Tokicos / JBA UCAs / Anonymous Fab. LBJs / Total Chaos Gussets / EimKeith PCK + LCAR / Extended Bump Stops; Brake Lines; Rear Diff Breather / True North Fab. Hybrid Bumper / CBI Hybrid Bumper + Tire Carrier / 4xInnovations Hybrid Sliders / Opt Offroad Trailing Arms / Lil Skip Gas Skid / BudBuilt Front Skid / ARB Rear Locker
Devbot is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-08-2022, 11:31 AM #14
Storm01's Avatar
Storm01 Storm01 is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Northern UT
Posts: 54
Storm01 is on a distinguished road
Storm01 Storm01 is offline
Member
Storm01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Northern UT
Posts: 54
Storm01 is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by CougarHound View Post
Is it a ridiculous idea to stop driving my 3rd gen in the winter to avoid rust? I live in New England and they salt the roads. I have a Prius C commuter that I plan on using as a winter car and I don't really care too much if it rusts...Or should I use the 4runner until it rusts to pieces?

Why do I care? I'm kind of undecided whether I want to keep the rig or sell it and I'm just trying to avoid rust to keep the resale value up. TBH the 4runner is kinda overkill for my needs at the moment. This is not Utah and there are barely any trails here...So I don't drive it that often. This Prius doesn't have a problem in the snow.
I daily mine all year, everyday. Granted, my truck is from AZ and has zero rust at all, I live in Northern Utah where they use salt quite frequently. Usually, I will take a power-washer every week and spray the undercarriage to knock all that salt off. Been doing this for almost two years now and no problems whatsoever with rust.

Your rust doesn't look too bad, I wouldn't think it would get worse with one winter with preventative measures. Like the others said above, you may want to sand it down and paint it or use some Fluid Film.
Storm01 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-08-2022, 11:36 AM #15
nissanh nissanh is offline
Senior Member
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Odessa/Midland TX
Posts: 3,711
nissanh has a spectacular aura about nissanh has a spectacular aura about nissanh has a spectacular aura about
nissanh nissanh is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Odessa/Midland TX
Posts: 3,711
nissanh has a spectacular aura about nissanh has a spectacular aura about nissanh has a spectacular aura about
I saw a video done by South Maine Auto yesterday and he shows an old suburban that has zero rust because the owner has sprayed fluid film regularly (NEVER any solid under coating). Make sure to wash under body often.
__________________
1990 3L Diesel Hilux LN 106; 1973 Ford Cortina XL
1992 4AFE Toyota Sprinter AE 91 (aka Geo Prizm)
1997 5vzfe 4Runner 4x4 (aka Hilux Surf)
2000 2uzfe 100 Series Land Cruiser
2021 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 6-speed
nissanh is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Tags
avoid , care , rust , rusts , winter

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Storing the truck in the winter and avoiding salt DenverAirport 3rd gen T4Rs 5 02-17-2022 12:02 AM
Top 3 rebuildable suspensions that can handle winter time salt and whatever else Fried_man7 5th gen T4Rs 8 11-15-2018 07:08 PM
Winter / salt rust prevention JabzSA 4th Gen T4Rs 18 09-12-2017 05:44 PM
driving a T4R in harsh environments (salt/potash mine roads) Steamfitter General Discussions 9 05-17-2017 04:15 AM
Winter Salt Roads Supra725 3rd gen T4Rs 1 01-05-2011 07:04 AM

» Follow Us!!!
» Log in
User Name:

Password:

Not a member yet?
Register Now!
Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:51 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger
 
Toyota - 4Runner . org Forum Terms and Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2020