Front end rust issue
 

Hey all, got a huge scare (appropriate it happened on Halloween) when I was under the front swapping out driving light bulbs. I found this unbelievably rusted front skid plate. Truck is a 2013, with not even 40k miles yet. I live in the salt belt, so this isn't going to get any better.

My question is: is this component JUST a skid plate, or does it serve some other structural purpose? I'm also highly concerned with the amount of rust on the other front suspension components. Nothing on this appears to be future servicable due to the heavy rust. On a side note, my frame rails seem to be just fine.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/membe...img-1024-a.jpg


https://www.toyota-4runner.org/membe...img-1025-a.jpg

Sorry to see the rust issues you are having. The best way to stop this is to move out of Michigan to someplace that is a Red State and doesn't have winter (and salted roads).

Replace your skid plate

This is something you should become familiar with for this and your next 4R:

Fluid Film

The end-all Fluid Film thread

Fluid film my frame?

First Oil Change on My 2020 SR5 Premium Before a Trip for Fluid Film

and there are several other threads on this

Thanks Rich, I just learned about Fluid Film yesterday. As far as moving out of MI, believe me it's crossed my mind lately! I will have to see if there's anyplace near me that does Fluid Film application, as it's not something I care to do myself.

You're welcome.

When you replace the skid, an aluminum one while more pricey could be a good option.

To answer your question: At least on my 4th gen, it’s just a skid plate. It serves no structural purpose.

Years ago, mine was in very bad shape, and a mechanic just yanked it off by hand. One or two of the mounts were so rusty that the skid plate was just barely hanging on.

Move to Southern California problem solved. Yes I pay through the roof but my 4Runner is rust free. :dancin:

Skid plate can replaced.

This is a prime example of why using products like Fluid Film for the season is a good idea.

Take care of whatever rust you can. It only gets worse until treated.

Also an example of why washing the undercarriage frequently in a highly corrosive environment is necessary. Any vehicle will rust or corrode in such an environment if neglected long enough.

Southern Cali? Hells yes, lol! Stayed in San Diego when I worked for Toyota, doing a line install at the Tacoma plant in Mexico. I could be talked into that if things were different.
I just got this truck last year. Didn't realize the rust underneath, as the body was pristine to match the then 29k miles on it. I later found out the truck was in Canada until last year. It gets washed (incl. undercarriage) about 3-4 times a week. I've got an unlimited pass (complete with express lane) for a really good car wash.

I know the skid/cover plate can (and should) be replaced, that's a no-brainer. But I'm more concerned with the heavy rust to the other front-end components. Wondering if I should spend the $$ to basically rebuild the front suspension, it almost feels as though it would benefit from that. It's clear that nothing on the front end is going to come apart for eventual service, when the rust will be even worse.

Other than visible rust, what are the suspension or steering symptoms you are experiencing? If none, than I wouldn't change the suspension parts. Mechanics in your area are familiar with rust and they can fix any rusty suspension part when it finally wears out. If fluid film is properly applied, it should penetrate existing rust and keep it from spreading.

MI has blue cities and the rest is pretty red. Beautiful state and great folks. AND pickled ring bologna.

You should tell that to the left wing whacko they elected as a governor who almost got herself “Jimmy Hoffa’d”.

Nit-whit?

Beautiful states can have bad governors.

She is a mess.

Can you please explain why you brought politics into 4Runner forums on a thread like this where the guy had questions about his frontend skid plates?

Your post(s) were completely unnecessary in regard to politics being mentioned. This is what is wrong with our country today...folks like you or the "left wing" feeling the need to insert politics into anything being discussed that had absolutely nothing to do with politics in the first place.

Ridiculous, and people wonder why we have toxicity in our society today. Please keep that shit off 4Runner forums (or better yet, take it to "general discussion" where anything goes in regard to general topics)