4th gen frame rust

[liljon01525]

Has anyone else found rust holes in their frames? Was under my 06 V8 today and found 2 bad spots where the frame was rotted thru


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[Keros]

Lots of freeway bridge pillars and lightpoles are allowed to rust these days. Claim is that a coating of rust protects it from future rust. No doubt, this is a special metal of some kind.

This is called weathering steel, a very interesting material.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weathering_steel

On the topic of the thread, I'm planning to rust-bullet my frame bit by bit. And then continually re-apply it annually where ever the coating fails.

POR15 doesn't stick well to existing paint whereas rust bullet doesn't much care what you put it on. Also, rust bullet has a very thin lay and doesn't "skin" like POR15, so you can see what the rust is doing underneath of it immediately.

 

[Montego Murph]

Has anyone heard of a pending recall for our frames. I have heard through a Toyota employee that Toyota has started to stockpile 4runner frames. I think it is reliable info. Came from a truck driver delivering tundra frames to dealer. I had heard the same thing from a driver about tundras before that was launched.
Hope its true.

I'm going to go on a limb and guess that this didn't pan out the way we had hoped...

 

[ekywildcat]

Have an '04 4-runner V-6 with 208,000 miles, great truck. Have some frame rust, nothing that bothers me to much, the worst is the fill plug in the back diff is rusted to bad to get it out. Guess I'll have to get a welder to weld a nut to it. I contacted Toyota, waste of time. They did remind me about the dash pad deadline, so I did get a new dash pad.

 

[V8Limited4wd]

I spent last weekend putting POR15 on the front skid plates and frame where there was a good amount of rust. It was pretty messy putting it on (it will splatter everywhere) but hopefully it will keep the rust from spreading further.

 

[toybox]

Also where is the skid plate???

The bolts probably rusted off or the whole skid plate rusted. If I didn't anti-seize my bolts every time I take it down to do an oil change they would have been seized/broken off a long time ago. My skid plate is probably the worst thing rusted on my truck and I do have some frame rust.

 

[schwein]

I'm going to go on a limb and guess that this didn't pan out the way we had hoped...

Haha, I opened this up hoping for some new revelation and possibly getting a new frame but... alas... just another wishful thinking thread. I did have a buddy of mine have the frame on his 1999 Tacoma replaced, they replaced his suspension as well since it was rotted along with the frame, pretty incredible deal for him back then!

 

[bht2109]

Please Advise the Rookie

Hey everybody! 4Runner virgin here - planning on buying a 3rd or 4th gen in the next month or two, and I'm thick into the research.

So of course I'm going to ask about frame rust. I read through a few other threads on here that discussed it, but I didn't want to hijack the OPs with my fairly specific questions. All apologies for any etiquette breach.

Please take a look at the photos below (i'll include Flickr links in case they don't post correctly):

Photo 1 is from a '01 SR5, 90k miles, $4990. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151519581@N04/36576914381/in/dateposted-public/)
Photo 2 is from a '03 Limited, 150k miles, $3999. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151519581@N04/36576914291/in/dateposted-public/)

Both were born and raised in the NY/NJ salt belt, no maintenance records, and both engines purr beautifully (as expected).

So, is this an acceptable amount of frame rot? I am not afraid of getting down and dirty with a wire wheel and some Fluid Film, but are these too far gone, even with the low pricetag? Instinct told me to flee, but I wanted to get a second opinion from you fine fellows.

Additionally, has anyone had any luck getting Toyota to "fix" frame rot? I keep seeing threads where people talk about recalls and whatnot, but the discussions seem outdated. Is getting a dealership to cover the bill still a thing? (Was it ever?)

Thanks so much for your input guys!!

 

[V8Limited4wd]

Hey everybody! 4Runner virgin here - planning on buying a 3rd or 4th gen in the next month or two, and I'm thick into the research.

So of course I'm going to ask about frame rust. I read through a few other threads on here that discussed it, but I didn't want to hijack the OPs with my fairly specific questions. All apologies for any etiquette breach.

Please take a look at the photos below (i'll include Flickr links in case they don't post correctly):

Photo 1 is from a '01 SR5, 90k miles, $4990. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151519581@N04/36576914381/in/dateposted-public/)
Photo 2 is from a '03 Limited, 150k miles, $3999. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151519581@N04/36576914291/in/dateposted-public/)

Both were born and raised in the NY/NJ salt belt, no maintenance records, and both engines purr beautifully (as expected).

So, is this an acceptable amount of frame rot? I am not afraid of getting down and dirty with a wire wheel and some Fluid Film, but are these too far gone, even with the low pricetag? Instinct told me to flee, but I wanted to get a second opinion from you fine fellows.

Additionally, has anyone had any luck getting Toyota to "fix" frame rot? I keep seeing threads where people talk about recalls and whatnot, but the discussions seem outdated. Is getting a dealership to cover the bill still a thing? (Was it ever?)

Thanks so much for your input guys!!

Personally, I would avoid both. My truck has seen every NE winter since 2004 and I only have surface rust (mainly up front), meaning the owners didn't do much to wash off the salt.

 

[AuSeeker]

I agree, avoid both, too far gone and will need major work to make either a safe ride, don't walk away RUNAWAY!!

 

[CowboyAdventurer69]

2008 4Runner Frame Rot / 4th Gen

I contacted Toyota today about our fourth GEN Toyota 4Runner's and they need people to call (800) 331-4331 option 3 and let them know that your 4th Gen 4Runner has Frame Rot because they only think it's like five or six frames they told me they don't think it's more than that. We need to let them know ASAP. It is on the horizon of getting a frame is changed, they just need more people to call Linda know what is doing that this is the number if that's the option that you have to select also ask for "Michelle Naffziger" she is the supervisor that is handling the 4th GEN Frame Rot! My cell is (203) 253-0452

 

[Montego Murph]

Cowboy,

Thanks for doing the legwork on that. Even if this is a fruitless venture, I'll spend the dime on a phone call and see what happens. Hopefully others will too.

Sure would be nice to get a new frame....

 

[feralcomprehension]

FWIW... I use this stuff on my cars and find it to be really good:

CorrosionX

CorrosionX Heavy Duty

I am by nature and training a very frugal person, and I have a gallon of each of those products in my garage (no affiliation, I paid full price off Amazon).

One of the things I really like about the product is it's affinity for metal- it will actually creep across the surface over time. Here's a quick test I performed several years ago on a piece of rusted angle in my garage:

As can be seen from the caption, I shot a quarter-sized blop* onto one leg of the angle and over two weeks it traveled ~3" from the point of application. Note please that this is the HD version- the non-HD is more liquid and will travel further. I'll frequently mix the two.

(*technical term)

Here's the *backside* of that same angle- it got coated too, even though I didn't apply any CX to it.

The advantage of this creeping action is that you don't have to be laser-perfect in your application; the product will spread and cover.

I also have an '04 CRV with 165k on it; I've been good about keeping the steel parts protected with CX. In contrast, my GFs '05 Element with 195k has a lot of red rust; the engine bays are an interesting contrast.

One downside is that it won't stay on places that are in the windstream. Works great on protected areas though. Before the cold sets in I'll get underneath my new-to-me '07 and give it a thorough treatment. Normally I use brushes and/or a spray bottle (you can mix CX with mineral spirits to make it flow better). I'm not sure how best to get it inside the frame rails; if anyone has suggestions I'd like to hear them.

$0.02,
FC

 

[capri_auto]

I had some minor surface rust on my 08, mostly around the welds. Nothing flaking yet, but almost to that point in a couple spots. I power washed it and coated very liberally with Amsoil MPHD. Smells like crayons and dries into a semisolid wax. 3 cans did the undercarrage and engine bay. Will probably power wash and reapply every year or 2. I used this stuff on a Discovery II that was starting to rust and it stopped the rust for the 4 years I owned it. Always parked outside and don't wash very frequently.

 

[liljon01525]

Cowboy,

I have called Toyota and opened up a case about the frame issues with my Runner, I tried asking to speak with "Michelle Naffziger" but the rep on the phone would not transfer me to her line, any other options on how to get a Toyota rep to look over my vehicle in hopes for them to consider a frame?


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[liljon01525]

I contacted Toyota today about our fourth GEN Toyota 4Runner's and they need people to call (800) 331-4331 option 3 and let them know that your 4th Gen 4Runner has Frame Rot because they only think it's like five or six frames they told me they don't think it's more than that. We need to let them know ASAP. It is on the horizon of getting a frame is changed, they just need more people to call Linda know what is doing that this is the number if that's the option that you have to select also ask for "Michelle Naffziger" she is the supervisor that is handling the 4th GEN Frame Rot! My cell is (203) 253-0452

I tried calling Toyota and getting ahold of Michelle naffziger, they person I was talking too would not send me to her personally because I did not have a correct case open with her specifically, any other options?


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[Montego Murph]

I would say go ahead and start a new case, but ask the rep to put a reference to her in the call log.

 

[toybox]

Hey everybody! 4Runner virgin here - planning on buying a 3rd or 4th gen in the next month or two, and I'm thick into the research.

So of course I'm going to ask about frame rust. I read through a few other threads on here that discussed it, but I didn't want to hijack the OPs with my fairly specific questions. All apologies for any etiquette breach.

Please take a look at the photos below (i'll include Flickr links in case they don't post correctly):


Both were born and raised in the NY/NJ salt belt, no maintenance records, and both engines purr beautifully (as expected).

So, is this an acceptable amount of frame rot? I am not afraid of getting down and dirty with a wire wheel and some Fluid Film, but are these too far gone, even with the low pricetag? Instinct told me to flee, but I wanted to get a second opinion from you fine fellows.

Additionally, has anyone had any luck getting Toyota to "fix" frame rot? I keep seeing threads where people talk about recalls and whatnot, but the discussions seem outdated. Is getting a dealership to cover the bill still a thing? (Was it ever?)

Thanks so much for your input guys!!

The second one has rusted through and will not pass inspection. The first looks pretty bad too

 

[Maineiac]

https://goo.gl/photos/mzc2msaChbQs9n6A6

This is what happens when your runner is being pulled onto a flat bed and your radiator support is rusted. Mind you both sides look like this. Wonder how the frame would hold up in a crash?

 

[AuSeeker]

https://goo.gl/photos/mzc2msaChbQs9n6A6

This is what happens when your runner is being pulled onto a flat bed and your radiator support is rusted.
Mind you both sides look like this. Wonder how the frame would hold up in a crash?

That point is not for pulling your T4R, i.e. it's not a recovery point, although it appears to be for that function,
those are put there for strapping down the T4R after it's been loaded on a trailer or flatbed.

That being said the tow driver or you if you loaded it should of known/seen it was not strong enough for pulling it up on the flatbed, especially as rusted as it was!!