Need Advice for Potential Purchase

[alico268]

Recently, I have been on the lookout for a 4wd 3rd gen with a 5 speed. I have some experience with 4Runners as my driver is described in my signature. Rust has never been a problem here in TX as the underside of my 4Runner is rust free, even in the welds. Obviously, the selection of 4Runners that are 4wd will be predominantly found in places where they salt the roads. I asked the owner of this particular vehicle to shoot me a pick of the rear axle/diff to get an idea of what the underside looks like. To me and the black belly of my current 4Runner, it concerns me, but I wanted to get some advice from people who see this more often in the region you live and if I should be concerned in any way. I attached a pic of my diff as well for comparison.

Also, I attached a pick of the only dent, that seems to be in a bad spot in terms of repair, but maybe somebody can chime in there as well.

Thanks for any guidance you guys might have as I look to purchase a 4Runner as a 4Runner should be.

 

[Do-boy]

That looks completely acceptable to me (Canada). The chrome is susceptible to rust, so you can use that as a pretty good indicator. Looks mostly like surface rust underneath. Your underside is what we dream of up here. Realistically, the rust will be totally fine for another decade. How long do you plan to have the truck? If you're planning on bringing it back to Texas, your rust concerns are even less.

 

[alico268]

Thanks Do-Boy! True about the rust not progressing as fast back here in Texas. Plan to keep the vehicle for a long time as I really like these 4runners!

I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseum here so thank you for commenting to put my mind at rest with this particular truck.

 

[96LTDrus]

Thanks Do-Boy! True about the rust not progressing as fast back here in Texas. Plan to keep the vehicle for a long time as I really like these 4runners!

I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseum here so thank you for commenting to put my mind at rest with this particular truck.

Like Do-boy said, the corners of the chrome bumpers are the 'canary in a coal mine' for these trucks that can be used to gauge how much time the truck has been in the salt and how well it's been kept in the winter as far as washing or pre-treating.

Certainly no rust at all is the ideal and I am very jealous of our Southwestern tr4 members, but the pics you posted look very reasonable.