Frame rust damage picture

[Ghostrider]

Because it's an issue that Toyota should be dealing with. Just like they're dealing with the Tacoma frame rust issues. At this point in time there isn't a campaign on file with Toyota to even start addressing these issues. Toyota is well aware of the 4runner frame rust issues, and hasn't stepped up the do anything about it.

Exactly - Toyota seemed to totally ignore anything related to rust or rust proofing during the design and/or build of a lot of trucks from the 90's and 2000's. They had to recall a lot of Tacomas since their supplier messed up. Based on some the pictures that are posted here - I would hate to see what a 4Runner looks like with no protection. I have no idea what Toyota considered acceptable in terms of the design but the pictures after 10-15 years indicates to me that they didn't design rustproofing very well at all

 

[MrRoo]

Just an update. My brother just got his 4Runner back from the frame shop. They repaired the rust. Cut and sectioned the frame. They did an outstanding job! Kudos to Crown toyota in Holland for stepping and and fixing it! The fuel tank side had no rust issues. Just the muffler side.

 

[LookAtThatDog]

Looks good. Glad to hear a rust success story for once

 

[kolelt]

How hard hard is it to drop the gas tank to.check for rust. And possibly fix it.

 

[MrRoo]

How hard hard is it to drop the gas tank to.check for rust. And possibly fix it.

Tanks come out pretty easy on these. Lucky this frame only had any rust next to the muffler. Rest of the frame is rust free. We are buying the Eastwood rust encapsulator and internal frame coating to do the whole frame and suspension with. Should look like new for many more years. The Eastwood products are very good with lots of success in stopping rust.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Tanks come out pretty easy on these. Lucky this frame only had any rust next to the muffler. Rest of the frame is rust free. We are buying the Eastwood rust encapsulator and internal frame coating to do the whole frame and suspension with. Should look like new for many more years. The Eastwood products are very good with lots of success in stopping rust.

It may look rust free from the outside but I guarantee it's rusted up pretty good internally. Mine looked rust free until I got in there ( one of those snake scopes) and saw the flaky rust in the same exact spot opposite side. Not nearly as bad but it's there.
As far as the Eastwood internal frame coating goes, you need to really get that flaky rust, along with all the dirt and stuff,off or else the product is a lot less effective. It's not easy getting it loose and cleaned out. I used a pressure washer but many spots are almost impossible to get to. A flexible magnetic pickup tool worked ok but it was an arduous task.

 

[Scramble]

Fixed.

I've said this before on here in these frame-rust threads.

I have owned my '97 4Runner since I bought it new off the Dealer lot. It has spent every winter on heavily salted roads. My frame is in great condition. The reason? as needed, all winter long, I thoroughly wash the salt off the undercarriage. That could be several times a week.

Is it a pain?, you bet. But having seen what salt can do to any frame, from any manufacturer, I knew that if I wanted to keep my 4Runner rust free, it would take a lot of concerted effort on my part.

It states right in the owners manual that extra care is needed to prevent excess corrosion from occurring, if the vehicle is operated in conditions that promote corrosion.

I have a neighbor that had a Mercury Mountaineer, (Ford Explorer) which was the same year as my 4runner. He would give me a hard time about washing my 4Runner several times a week in below freezing temps., all winter long. I would just laugh and say we'll see whose vehicle lasts longer.

Needless to say that in addition to the typical Ford problems (transmission rebuilds, etc.) his Mountaineer became a rusted-out hulk, and was hauled off to the junkyard 8 years ago.

Meanwhile, my 4Runner still runs and looks nearly as good as the day I drove it off the lot.

The bottom line: Take care of your vehicle, and it will last a lot longer than one which is neglected.

I'm not as bad as you but my truck goes to the car wash after every snowstorm. My 99 has less rust underneath than my GF's 2008 Dodge Nitro.