4Runner - Rust Control or Fight?

J

jaephu

New member
Hi folks, I just bought my first 4Runner w/ rust. :ybrick:

I would like to see what I can do to ensure its longevity.

In the mean time, I bought a few cans of Fluid Film and coated whereever I saw rust.

Here's some photos...any recommendations on what I should do next?

https://imgur.com/a/0edJ1

I've searched for some threads about this and found a bunch of info, hence the fluid film.
I'm not that strong technically to do a-lot of this car work, so bear with me please as I ask more stupid questions.

Hoping for some guidance on the severity of the rust. I live in the Pacific Northwest.
 
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It doesn't seem that bad. If you want to get all the surface rust off quickly, you can use a grinder and a cup wire brush. I got mine at Harbor Freight with good reviews for $26 I think, and then a wire brush set for about $5. I'm too chicken to use it, and misplaced my safety glasses, so I'll deal with it next Spring. Anyway, it would make short(er) work of your rear axle and any other large areas - you could then follow up with painting or whatever.

Small areas you could use a dremel with little wire cup wheel, or a scotch brite pad / steel wool / small handheld wire brush depending on the severity.

Moving on though, my biggest thing would be to hit some of the nuts and bolts you see with PB blaster and then try your hand at removing&replacing them. If the component the bolts are attached to is rusted badly, or you're just looking to do some preventative maintenance, maybe replace that too.

For instance, your sway bar links look alright (I guess, they're covered in sludge) but if you ever wanted to replace them down the road you're going to have a hell of a time and might end up having to hack saw/grind through them. You could tackle stuff like that now to save yourself headache later since it's not going to get any better.
 
I'd focus on frame rust. Yours isn't that bad. Get a grinder and wire wheels from harbour freight. Remember to wear long sleeves and safety goggles. Wire wheel is dangerious if you don't pay attention. Anyways, wire wheel to bare metal any where there is rush and any where you can reach. Clean everything and prime then throw some paint. I used VHT CHASSY PAINT. Good product, about $7 at AutoZone. As for axle, control arms, I'd worry about those later after you have somewhat removed the rust on the frame. Frame cost $ vs new axle $ is much higher and more work. Now for internal rust, there's a good product called EASTWOOD INTERNAL FRAME COATING. Few memebers have used this including me. You can get a can with extended nozzle on amazon for $20, cheapest I found. I went crazy and thick I used 6 cans. And I painted every cavity hole that I can acces on the body also, if you look closely under the car there are small cavitys on the body it self. Remember, before paint the area must be oil free such as fluid film. After you have tackled all the rust., and painted it. Then hit the whole under car with fluid film. Amazon sells a gallon kit $50. More questions feel free to pm.
 
Thanks! You guys are awesome.

To do this, would you get a hydraulic jack (3T) and jack stands? Or ramps?
 
Make sure you look at the inboard side of the frame rail next to the muffler.....that, along with the inboard of the rear strut bracket on that side, are typical points of severe corrosion. Couldn't find those locations in your pictures.

Buckaroo
 
Almost there boys!

I made a trip to Certifit down past seattle and got all chrome bumpers to replace my rusted out ones.

On my way down, I was out of gas and stuck in rush hour traffic on the I5. I was freeking out!

I finally got off on an exit and I think it was fate. Ended up at a Shell right beside Harbour Freight! That store is AWESOME. Got my wire brushes and wheels....and a electric paint sprayer for fluid film.
 
Have a look at the bushings on your lower control arms/axle side. It appears in the picture that they are torn and pushed off centre, if so you will probably want to replace them.
 
makes me glad I don't live in an area that rust is a big issue. it's salt on the road in the winter that causes rust of that severity right? I see it on cars we get from auction sometimes
 
JSwain said:
Have a look at the bushings on your lower control arms/axle side. It appears in the picture that they are torn and pushed off centre, if so you will probably want to replace them.
Click to expand...

I did notice squeekyenss over bumps. Thanks man!!!

However..this sounds like a shop thing to do :wow:
 
Spray it a few times a day for several days.

Like hour said, when you are under there remove and replace whatever hardware you can. I put some anti-seize on the nuts and bolts I pulled out.

I worked my rust with some nylon cups as well as a needle scaler. After that I painted Ospho on the rusted areas. Will prime and paint the chassis next.
 
jaephu said:
Almost there boys!

I made a trip to Certifit down past seattle and got all chrome bumpers to replace my rusted out ones.

On my way down, I was out of gas and stuck in rush hour traffic on the I5. I was freeking out!

I finally got off on an exit and I think it was fate. Ended up at a Shell right beside Harbour Freight! That store is AWESOME. Got my wire brushes and wheels....and a electric paint sprayer for fluid film.
Click to expand...

Yea harbour freight is good cheap store. Gets the job done. What is this electric paint sprayer ? Im interested. Can you take a pic
 
7echo said:
Spray it a few times a day for several days.

Like hour said, when you are under there remove and replace whatever hardware you can. I put some anti-seize on the nuts and bolts I pulled out.

I worked my rust with some nylon cups as well as a needle scaler. After that I painted Ospho on the rusted areas. Will prime and paint the chassis next.
Click to expand...

What do nylon cups do?
 
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