06 Limited, 310k with the 4.7. The muffler was getting loud so I crawled under to take a look. Muffler is starting to deteriorate but the bad news is I can literally push my finger thru the frame in a couple places. It doesn't look bad but apparently rusted from the inside out. Most of the rust is in the back portion of the frame, worst spot is where the trailing arms (?) bolt up to the bracket coming off the frame. The vehicle is in really good shape mechanically and cosmetically and I did not see this coming.

At this point, I don't know where to start. Obviously if I sell to a salvage yard I am going to get next to nothing. I cannot sell to someone who will drive it. I don't have the time or space to part it out.

I have heard there are places that sell parts of the frame to be welded in. I have no idea if this is an option, I cannot imagine that if I have several bad spots that the rest of the frame won't be far behind.

Anyone have suggestions where to start? I am heartbroken that what was a super reliable and nice looking rig is now apparently junk.

Buy a new frame

Im surprised too. The 06 and newer frames are a little better at not rotting than the previous frames (the finishing of them was improved) and I would think in Kansas they wouldnt be as terrible about salting the roads as they here in NY/ the northeast

Ive had a couple of mufflers rot, my 03 frame went bad on the passenger side, not the rear

I would try to find a car shop/ welding shop thats experienced with frames to look at it and give you an estimate. If it is just a bad area for some reason, you may be able to do some rust prevention on the rest of the frame and repair the area and save the rest of it

SafeTCap(R) Kits - autorust.com

SAfe T cap is the product your thinking of, I believe

Post some pics if you can

4 Runner 2003-2009 4th Gen Archives - autorust.com

From same site:

That's the exact route I am taking, thank you. The frame appears to be solid except for the two areas. My cousin has a welder big enough to weld in the caps. Should be good.

Appreciate the response.

Wondering if you got this done?

I have 1 bad spot on mine and am considering doing the same so I'd like to hear about your experience.