planing a move north

[Forrrrest]

So I am planning a move up north to juneau Alaska, it won't be soon probably 3 years at most. Well at least untill I get my certs through work and I'm done with the apprenticeship. Also having sufficient funds saved up plays a huge roll. Anyways I have a rust free California vehicle, been here all its life.
Right now I am getting caught up on all major and small maintenance. It's going slow due to living changes. So my question is about RUST PROOFING!!! I've read about how horrible frame rot can get. What is the best method to prevent rust? I know painting but what are the best steps? Wire wheel everything, primer then paint? What types of paint are best to be used?
Here's a little background on my runner, bought it off original owner and now has 97k miles. I'm almost caught up on maintenance, I know it seems like a lot but it'll go fast. Needs front wheel bearing, clutch, suspension (tundra/lc), brakes (231). It'll be done in a month or 2. Then I will move on to my rust proofing. Keep in mind I do wheel almost every weekend. Although its just buddies property with hill climb it does see a Ton of off road!!!!
So what is the best way to prevent future rust once I head to Alaska????

 

[Doc2012]

The "Best way"?

Take the body off the frame, and the bed line the entire frame.

That's going to be the best way to take care of it.

Other than that, I can't tell ya man.

I just know that I don't really have to worry about that problem down here in NC...

 

[GladeRunner]

I don't have to worry about that either down in FL. Search for posts by Fightman, I ve seen threads/posts by him about his winterizing his t4r for Canadian winters.

 

[rickashay]

Undercoat it. Zeibert has a professional undercoat service. Not sure if they are in the States though? Could get it done on your way up through Canada though.

I spray my undercarriage with Fluid Film about twice per winter. It's an oil/wax based product that repels corrosion. I spray the remaining stuff off in the spring and my undercarriage is good to go.

 

[GladeRunner]

Rickashay- is that a common practice to undercoat each year in Canada? What does something like that cost? So glad we don't have to worry about that in the South

 

[Stick Figure]

I grew up in Nebraska ... they LOVE to salt the roads in the winter. Every used vehicle I have had that that was undercoated either factory or or otherwise had worse rust that the ones that were left alone. Rubber under coating only works well if it covers everything 110%. The smallest hole can let moisture in and then trap it because the other 99% is water proof. Best luck I ever had was frequent cleaning and when it has salt on it, let it stay frozen on until you are ready to wash it off.

Oh yeah and if I was planning on moving back with my 4Runner, I would still plan on buying winter beaters. Sure the truck would go out to play in the fresh powder, but the next week when its nothing but a salty slushy mess I would be in an 80's beater already rusted to **** Toyota that I bought for next to nothing.

 

[Bryan1]

There is a strong correlation between rust and whether you undercoat in Canada. I've seen some pretty brutal runners up here, its pretty easy to tell who does and who doesn't undercoat. I pay just under 100 a year (if its a bad winter 2wice a season) to have everything coated. I also power wash the outside down every couple weeks. The salt eats my aluminum rims, and pretty much destroys everything haha so i would recomend getting you runner sprayed if your heading up north....its worth the 100 bucks