Hi,
I live in Connecticut and have 2005 4Runner that has frame rust.
I want to evaluate it and take pictures of it myself but don't know what exactly are the important parts to look at.
I read that its important to look at where the wheel meets the frame (From a tire guy at Costco) but don't know what its called.
What are the most important sections of the frame to look at? Thank you!
Not to be a bit flippant, but the entire frame is important and should be evaluated. Take a deadblow hammer or similarly weighted hammer and hit the frame on all sides that you can with the hammer . . . the hammer should rebound off the frame. Surface or superficial corrosion will not stop it from rebounding off the frame, this can be fixed with some time, various tools and various products that neutralize present and prevent future corrosion. Youtube can be a huge help here.
If the hammer sinks into the frame, this is an indicator that the frame has corroded to the point where you need to evaluate frame repairs, if it is even possible.
Areas where clearances between parts, and there are many, are usually more prone to rust due to the fact moisture and corrosion agents collect there.
Use some sense, youtube and you can generate a plan of action. You are going to get dirty. I eliminated rust from an 1988 BMW E28 M5 that sat for almost a decade after hard use in the Baltimore Metro Area . . . it was dirty, I had to become a better welder and even better grinder, but it came out great.
Where the wheel meets the frame? That is likely the lower control arm mounting bracket. Easy enough to evaluate.
