How Bad Is This Rust?

[DeathMetalTony]

I don't have any pics handy. I'm curious to see what the gang says about yours though. That stuff would scare me a bit but a lot of that is admittedly based on stubborn principle. As in, you live in Cali, which isn't exactly a rust belt state, so why should you be buying a rusted rig when you could hold out for something with a more pristine and desert kept body? Do you guys get rust on cars from the ocean salt in the air or something, or was this an East Coast car that migrated? I also understand the pull of the "truck I want" factor, since I compromised on my own principle and got a rig that was rustier than I would have liked.

This Truck came from Minnesota, and it found its home here in SoCal. The thing is I have the opportunity to finance it here for a real good price. All the Trucks around here at over 15k with more than 130k miles and some are kept it bad condition. This one had a lot of major service done here at work, I had the Shop-Foreman take a look at it he said the main rust is just on the rear axle housing which is not bad and the bolt(s) that hold the rear struts, those are bad.

 

[DeathMetalTony]

It looks to have spent a couple of seasons in snow country or some time on the beach....but imo, it dosen't look bad at all. I would clean up the surface rust and treat the areas with an inhibitor. My '05 after 12 seasons in the northeast is alot worse. Low miles are a big plus....Let me know if yer going to pass!

Good thing about working here I have access to the lift and air tools, so with time I'll be using a wire brush and try to clean all the visible rust then re-coating it. The vehicle came from Minnesota.

 

[blackoutt]

Looks pretty solid. Go for it!

My 07 that spent it's life in Michigan til 15 looked far worse than that so I did the whole wire wheel, acid neutralizer, chassis saver thing and it still looks great with some minor touch ups here and there. This one would be a lot less work to make look perfect, or just leave it as is. Looks like only surface rust with no real rusted out concerns.

 

[DeathMetalTony]

I agree, it’s not to bad. When cleaned up it should look a lot better. I’ve seen way worse then that. The rest of the undercarriage looks pretty good.


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I agree, I'll try to get some interior pics, super clean.

 

[DeathMetalTony]

Looks pretty solid. Go for it!

My 07 that spent it's life in Michigan til 15 looked far worse than that so I did the whole wire wheel, acid neutralizer, chassis saver thing and it still looks great with some minor touch ups here and there. This one would be a lot less work to make look perfect, or just leave it as is. Looks like only surface rust with no real rusted out concerns.

We took a hammer and flat head to it, it passed that test. Wifey OK'ed it so I got the Finance Paper-Work to do now. I'll keep you guys posted on the final numbers.

 

[L8Shift]

The tabs that hold the front splash shield to the support, are completely rusted off on my T4R.

I get reminded when the pan hits me on the head when I take it off. .

I use Mar Hyde #3513 (3M) to treat rust. :shrug:

 

[OBX4Runner2006]

Here's a picture of our 2006 for comparison. Front end. We are original owners. It has spent its life since new at the Outer Banks of NC. It has seen time on the beach and driven though maybe 6" of sound-side brackish water whenever the 40-50+ mph winds blow water over the road getting in & out where we live. I always spray the underside afterwards.

 

[OBX4Runner2006]

rear axle. 121,000 miles

 

[Monkey Wrench]

Is the transfer case actuator leaking? Double-check the seal between the actuator and the transfer case. Its an expensive repair if it is leaking!

 

[Berty_K]

On my phone and feeling lazy. Posting an old link.

Here's my '08 one Chicago winter ago. Salt sucks.

https://m.imgur.com/r/4Runner/nzuc3

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[DeathMetalTony]

Is the transfer case actuator leaking? Double-check the seal between the actuator and the transfer case. Its an expensive repair if it is leaking!

Is not, its been raining over here might look wet cause of the water.

 

[DeathMetalTony]

On my phone and feeling lazy. Posting an old link.

Here's my '08 one Chicago winter ago. Salt sucks.

https://m.imgur.com/r/4Runner/nzuc3

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Your rear axle housing looks way better, less rust.
Right now I'm on the dilema of trying to see if I could fit 33's or 32's under there. Without lifting it for now. I need to put new tires before I could take it, might as well get the tires I want.