3rd gen 4Runner most common rust spots?

[kolelt]

To add to this, this corner area is also damaged by the base model type running boards mine came with. The rear end cap is shaped so that it funnels crap up to blast this area from below. When my running boards came off, there was severe paint damage (like sandblasting) in this area. I think some of the rocker damage is also due to running boards wearing paint in spots. It's worth pulling them to check.

Yup. Honestly , better of removing them completely.

 

[T4R2014]

Haha, ever seen a 4Runner that spent 20 years in the rust belt without running boards? And you guys think the running boards do damage.

 

[Kanoe]

Haha, ever seen a 4Runner that spent 20 years in the rust belt without running boards? And you guys think the running boards do damage.

Agreed. I have been too shy to post this as I will likely invite a lot of negative comments but here is my solution to the running board problem. These actually protect from rock damage better than the factory as they are slightly farther out than the factorys were and they go 3/4 an inch farther in so they actually protect the pinch weld. The factory ones left the pinchweld exposed to damage.

They would not be any good for serious offroading like a lot of you do. They have been in place for 4 years and we like them a lot.

 

[kolelt]

Haha, ever seen a 4Runner that spent 20 years in the rust belt without running boards? And you guys think the running boards do damage.

Yeah I have one. And it's pretty clean. Had few major rust spots. That are fixed. Otherwise it's clean. Someone who maintains a vehicle will see far less rust then those who ignore it. But you are right. Areas prone to ocean, and salt are worse for cars.

Ever see below the engine where oil has been collecting? Below that oil is clean fresh metal lol