Frame rust someone tell me ho bad it is

[kolelt]

I read this on a toyota parts website about 3rd Gen 4Runners:

Frame Rust: Many third-gen 4Runner owners have experienced issues with unusual levels of frame/undercarriage rust, which can lead to suspension system failure. This problem shouldn’t be attributed to the SUV’s age but rather the way its frame is constructed, which allows moisture to enter inside the frame and rust it out. A frame replacement is a good way to fix it.

I myself didn't get spend much time inspecting the frame before I bought mine. Luckily, mine isn't as bad as the poster's, but I've had to pay attention to it. I don't think Toyota issued a recall on this problem. Instead they advised owners to clean their under carriages after exposed to salt.

The 4runners do have rust. But no where near the issue that Tacoma’s have. So that’s why there hasn’t been a recall.

 

[Kanoe]

I don't think Toyota issued a recall on this problem. Instead they advised owners to clean their under carriages after exposed to salt.

Our 4runners are old enough now that it comes down to care and treatment. Those who undercoat and act preventatively have less rust than those who don't. I don't mean to poke at the OP (I am sympathetic) but judging from how dry and scaly that rust is, they have not been undercoating. Our 4runners have held up well for owners who have put the effort in from the start.

 

[dogtail]

Our 4runners are old enough now that it comes down to care and treatment. Those who undercoat and act preventatively have less rust than those who don't. I don't mean to poke at the OP (I am sympathetic) but judging from how dry and scaly that rust is, they have not been undercoating. Our 4runners have held up well for owners who have put the effort in from the start.

Less rust? Can have just about zero rust if done properly. These guys doing no rust treatment in my region are creating abundance of cheap used parts from scraped 3rd gens.
I think a lot of guys have a sacrificial lamb 1st 3rd gen that rusts out. They learn what happens then they don't let it happen to the next one. That's what happened to me. I have zero rust issues now.

 

[Arnezie]

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[Arnezie]

Ok all fixed $250 cut out all weak metal and welded in 1/4 steel. Coated with chassis saver black. My entire frame will be coated entirely in chassis saver as soon as it’s warm enough.


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[dogtail]

Chassis saver is limited in what you can coat. Frames, rockers, and bodies rot from inside out mostly. If you want to get serious about rust you have to do seasonal prevention coatings, there are a few different types, Fluid Film, POR-15, old school petro. I don't have any rust issues, here's what I do -
SEASONAL RUST PROOFING using WD-40 only

 

[mack10]

Ok all fixed $250 cut out all weak metal and welded in 1/4 steel. Coated with chassis saver black. My entire frame will be coated entirely in chassis saver as soon as it’s warm enough.


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This looks OK but hard to tell int the pics. One test I have used for determining the 'urgency' of repairs is to take the pointy end of a welding hammer and check out all the suspect areas. Was that the only spot that had terminal rust? The bottom of the frame rail going to the front of the truck looks terrible.