Originally Posted by Jdevtac

The pics and specs you have are near exact to the 2004 I bought. I’d pass. You are bound to find a hole somewhere. I didn’t find a hole in mine at initial inspection but it was there when I was rust treating a few weeks later.



If you are set on it, some things I learned:

Check those gas tank straps, my bet is the rear one has turned to dust.



Also check that the spare tire can actually be lowered and the hoist isn’t seized.



Look inside every hole of the frame. These things rust on the inside pretty bad depending on your location.



Look at the top of the front frame rail, just rearward if the front passenger tire. The AC drip tube drips water right on it and causes extra rust.



Whack all around the rear lower trailing arm mounts. This area rusts not only on 4th gens but also 3rd gens.



Lastly I’d check all the brake lines, and then the rear frame rails at the rear bumper. These rust out for whatever reason too.



The front auxiliary cross member where the front skid attaches to is likely toast from your photos.

Originally Posted by CookieRoe

Pfft, you're fine. Looks like mine and mine is solid. The front cross member (radiator) is a little crusty, but overall my frame is solid. Having lived it's entire life in PA. Still, give it a good once-over.



Good luck!

Originally Posted by 5thToy

That looks decent for an 03 from your neck of the woods. Low mileage, probably garaged for the most part.

Originally Posted by AuSeeker

@Sandeman , others have covered what to look at concerning the rust..but you didn't say if it's a 2wd or a 4wd, either way I think $9000 is too high for a 2003 and especially so if it's a 2wd, use any rust you see and it's age to get that price as low as you can.



Also in case you're not aware, if it's 4wd be sure to run the 4wd system through all of it's functions, the transfercase actuator has a tendency to seize up if not used regularly and is expensive to repair/replace.

Originally Posted by MikeinNH67

Looks decent from what I can see. My 03 had some perforation on one of the rear control arm attachment points which was an easy fix. No other perforation from what I can see. Currently I have a ratchet strap holding up the rear of my fuel tank as the strap corroded. Lucky me trying to remove the strap outer frame bolt removed the whole mount point so more welding there. I've also noticed a few 4runners in the area with the rust coming through the hatch door from the inside.



9k for a 16 year old vehicle though, I find that hard to swallow.

Originally Posted by Sandeman

You just covered all my basis- I did hear about the poor drains in the frame when water gets in there and doesn’t have anywhere to go.

What’s the best way to get a look into the inside of the frame from your experience?


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