Cause for concern? See pics
- Thread starter jackstraw252
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jackstraw252
New member
jackstraw252
New member
I'm not sure. I saw it in person and test drove it. Drives like a dream and the 5 speed is butter. I don't think anything is trying to be hidden. I inspected the frame and no chips or crumbling. Then I discovered the axle but went home and saw a bunch of videos of people restoring and now I am thinking that I want to jump on this.
phattyduck
Elite Member
Maybe it was regularly used to launch boats in salt water? That would explain why only the back 1/3 is rusty.
I'd be very concerned about the fact that somebody is hiding something on that rear lower link mount.
The rear axle is very rusted and will be a hassle to deal with, but the rest isn't horrible. I still think there is probably a lot more going on inside the frame than you think though.
-Charlie
I'd be very concerned about the fact that somebody is hiding something on that rear lower link mount.
The rear axle is very rusted and will be a hassle to deal with, but the rest isn't horrible. I still think there is probably a lot more going on inside the frame than you think though.
-Charlie
jackstraw252
New member
Would the inside of the frame rust before the outside? I poked around and all felt solid.
raKnizek
Member
Not uncommon for their to be rust inside a frame without any visible indication of it from the outside. That is a harder thing to see and you may have to make assumptions based on the rest of the vehicle condition.
One other thing I see when looking back at the pictures is the muffler was clearly replaced. Not a necessarily a concern on its own but notable considering the condition overall
One other thing I see when looking back at the pictures is the muffler was clearly replaced. Not a necessarily a concern on its own but notable considering the condition overall
jackstraw252
New member
For sure! Definitely a new muffler. Sounded very crisp during my test drive. I would count a new muffler as a positive?
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
It probably meant the old one rusted out.
Dieselchessy
New member
The back of the rigs rust due to salty road spray. The front tires kick up the water from the road.
I’d say there is no way that frame isn’t rusted on the inside.
You have to reach your finger inside the larger square holes on the inside edge of the frame back by the muffler fuel tank. Feel toward the bottom inside of the frame. If there is roughness and large flakes she’s got cancer. Sand and dirt are normal.
Lower the spare and look at the body seams and spot welds. It will show cancer there first.
Look at the fender lip (pinch weld) inside the front of the rear wheel wells. It likes to start there.
Look at the hood. Make sure no paint bubbles. Then open the hood and look where the frame is glued to the skin. Hard to look at if it has a blanket.
I’d say there is no way that frame isn’t rusted on the inside.
You have to reach your finger inside the larger square holes on the inside edge of the frame back by the muffler fuel tank. Feel toward the bottom inside of the frame. If there is roughness and large flakes she’s got cancer. Sand and dirt are normal.
Lower the spare and look at the body seams and spot welds. It will show cancer there first.
Look at the fender lip (pinch weld) inside the front of the rear wheel wells. It likes to start there.
Look at the hood. Make sure no paint bubbles. Then open the hood and look where the frame is glued to the skin. Hard to look at if it has a blanket.
phattyduck
Elite Member
Unless it was replaced to hide a very rusty exhaust...
The OEM exhaust is/was pretty good at resisting corrosion, but still has problems in salty conditions.
-Charlie
Dieselchessy
New member
The back of the rigs rust due to salty road spray. The front tires kick up the water from the road.
I’d say there is no way that frame isn’t rusted on the inside.
You have to reach your finger inside the larger square holes on the inside edge of the frame back by the muffler and fuel tank. Feel toward the bottom inside of the frame. If there is roughness and large flakes she’s got cancer. Sand and dirt are normal.
Lower the spare and look at the body seams and spot welds. It will show cancer there first.
Look at the fender lip (pinch weld) inside the front of the rear wheel wells. It likes to start there.
Look at the hood. Make sure no paint bubbles. Then open the hood and look where the frame is glued to the skin. Hard to look at if it has a blanket.
I’d say there is no way that frame isn’t rusted on the inside.
You have to reach your finger inside the larger square holes on the inside edge of the frame back by the muffler and fuel tank. Feel toward the bottom inside of the frame. If there is roughness and large flakes she’s got cancer. Sand and dirt are normal.
Lower the spare and look at the body seams and spot welds. It will show cancer there first.
Look at the fender lip (pinch weld) inside the front of the rear wheel wells. It likes to start there.
Look at the hood. Make sure no paint bubbles. Then open the hood and look where the frame is glued to the skin. Hard to look at if it has a blanket.
jackstraw252
New member
No doubt. One less thing for me to replace! Haha
jackstraw252
New member
Thanks for all the advice. The 4Runner is 2.5 hours away from me and I made the trip yesterday to get a feel for it. I am having the seller snap some of the above pics to see those conditions. I got underneath yesterday and the rim on the spare was rusted. Hopefully above it is a little better.
Kanoe
New member
Did you notice that left rear brake backing plate? It looks like a hole rusted through it. I’ve never seen that before.
That looks like black spray paint on the lower control arm bracket. Someone was aware of the rust.
See how rusty the right pan hard bar bracket is?
That rear end will likely need replacing if that is a gear oil leak.
The exhaust repair should be considered a short time fix. That’s not going to last like the oem did.
Op, I know the excitement of getting a new vehicle, but i’d Keep in mind this one is going to be a project and that’s just stuff we see from a few pics. Just be cautious. Hope the price is lowish.
That looks like black spray paint on the lower control arm bracket. Someone was aware of the rust.
See how rusty the right pan hard bar bracket is?
That rear end will likely need replacing if that is a gear oil leak.
The exhaust repair should be considered a short time fix. That’s not going to last like the oem did.
Op, I know the excitement of getting a new vehicle, but i’d Keep in mind this one is going to be a project and that’s just stuff we see from a few pics. Just be cautious. Hope the price is lowish.
jackstraw252
New member
I appreciate the feedback, this is what I was hoping to get from this site. It's not sounding good and I am all for a project, but don't want to get in over my head. Price is $4200.
T4R2014
Elite Member
$2500 at best. It is a project.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
That's a lot for a rusted frame. Factor in what it would need for repairs and what it would cost you and if the price is acceptable, then go for it. But if a new rear axle, frame repair, rust coating, spot welds and fixes makes this a $7000 purchase, I don't think it's worth it.
